Plasmon vs Electrical Wave: Difference Explained

[Mentia]

What's the difference between a plasmon and the wave that propagates through a wire when you flip a light switch?

 

[Skelth]

I take from Wikipedia a bit to give a layman's explanation. A plasmon "is the quasiparticle resulting from the quantization of plasma oscillations." Basically, it is the same as a photon is to light, or a phonon is to sound. It's just a way to measure plasma oscillations in a quantitative, straightforward way (the same with all quasiparticles.) Plasmons measure the collective motion of the free electron gas density. Does that help? I'm not sure if you're trying to go somewhere deeper with this, so that's the simplest explanation I know to give.

 

[charng]

A plasmon is a type of collective oscillation of electrons in a metal or semiconductor material. It is a quantum phenomenon that occurs when photons of light interact with the free electrons in the material, creating a coherent excitation of the electrons. Plasmons can propagate through the material and can be manipulated by controlling the properties of the material, such as its shape and size.

On the other hand, the wave that propagates through a wire when you flip a light switch is an electrical wave. It is a type of electromagnetic wave that is generated by the movement of electrons in the wire. When the switch is flipped, it completes the electrical circuit, allowing the electrons to flow and creating a wave of energy that travels through the wire.

The main difference between a plasmon and an electrical wave is their origin and behavior. Plasmons are generated by the interaction between light and electrons, while electrical waves are generated by the movement of electrons in a material. Plasmons are confined to the surface of the material and can travel longer distances, while electrical waves propagate through the interior of the material and have a shorter range.

In addition, plasmons have a shorter wavelength and higher frequency compared to electrical waves. This is because plasmons are confined to the surface of the material, which results in a stronger interaction between the photons and electrons, leading to a higher frequency. Electrical waves, on the other hand, can have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies depending on the properties of the material.

Overall, plasmons and electrical waves are both important phenomena in the study of electromagnetism and have unique properties that make them useful in various applications. Understanding the differences between these two types of waves is crucial in designing and manipulating materials for specific purposes.