Absorption and Re-emission of light in an atom

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nikhil padavala
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Absorption Atom Light
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Absorption and re-emission of light in an atom occurs through atomic transitions involving electron excitation. When a photon encounters an atom, it is absorbed, causing an electron to transition to a higher energy level. After a brief delay, the electron returns to its original state, emitting a photon in the process. This mechanism is distinct from phonon interactions, which involve lattice vibrations rather than direct photon absorption and emission.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic transitions and electron excitation
  • Familiarity with photon behavior in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of solid-state physics concepts, including phonons
  • Basic grasp of light-matter interaction principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum mechanics principles related to atomic transitions
  • Learn about photon absorption and emission processes in detail
  • Explore the role of phonons in solid-state physics
  • Investigate empirical observations related to light behavior in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and professionals in materials science seeking to understand light-matter interactions and atomic behavior.

nikhil padavala
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Please explain me
1. How Absorption and Re-emission happens in an atom
2. A common explanation that has been provided is that a photon moving through the material still moves at the speed of c, but when it encounters the atom of the material, it is absorbed by the atom via an atomic transition. After a very slight delay, a photon is then re-emitted. This explanation is incorrect and inconsistent with empirical observations.is this statement correct?
3.Photons are absorbed and emitted by electrons excitation or because of phonons? Please Explain me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
See the FAQ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/do-photons-move-slower-in-a-solid-medium.511177/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bhobba

Similar threads

Undergrad Do atoms recoil when emitting a photon?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
7K
Graduate Physical explanation of time-correlation function and spectrum
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Qualitative description of stimulated emission & population inversion
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School Is it true that QED explains the reflection of light?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
High School Can spontaneous emission be considered a thermodynamic process?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
High School A few basic questions about the absorption/emission of photons
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Atomic Electron Transition Intervals
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Absorption and emission spectroscopy of atoms
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate How can we explain continuous absorption / emission?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Relation between spontaneous emission, absorption and re-emission
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K