Are the eyes an example of the photoelectric effect

[dshea]

It seems to me that the eyes are an example of the photoelectric effect at work. If so, which is more effective; current technology, photosynthesis, or our eyes?

 

[Vanadium 50]

It seems to me that the eyes are an example of the photoelectric effect at work.

Except that they aren't. Our eyes work by chemical processes involving a protein family called opsins.

 

[dshea]

So the photon's are not being converted into electrical energy? Or is the photoelectric effect being expressed by the opsins? It seems to me that light is being converted to electricity that our brain interprets.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

the photoelectric effect is not an umbrella term for the conversion of light into movements of electrons. It is the physics of a very specific scattering effect. From what little I know about how the eyes see the work voltage, retarding potential, etc. have nothing to do with it.

 

[Vanadium 50]

This is not the way to hold a conversation: writing down incorrect things that "seem to you" to be true, and yet are not. I would start by reading up on how the eye actually does work before posting about how you think it must work.

 

[dshea]

Good point. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[maverick_starstrider]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_phototransduction