Atomic Electron Transition Intervals

In summary, when a photon of the right energy is absorbed by an atom, it can cause a change in the energy state of the atom. This change in state will then cause the atom to emit photons in a cascade.
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Symmetry777
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Are there any charts (information) concerning the elements and Atomic Electron Transition intervals? Does each element have a time it takes from absorption to the time of re-emission?

Concerning Spectral Lines are the result of interaction between a quantum system (atoms) and a single photon.

When a photon has about the right amount of energy to allow a change in the energy state of the system (in the case of an atom this is usually an electron changing orbitals, the photon is absorbed.

Then it will be re-emitted either in the same frequency as the original or in a cascade, where the sum of the energies of the photons emitted will be equal to the energy of the one absorbed (assuming the system returns to its original state).
 
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Symmetry777 said:
Are there any charts (information) concerning the elements and Atomic Electron Transition intervals? Does each element have a time it takes from absorption to the time of re-emission?
I guess you are after the lifetime of excited states. Each excited state has its own lifetime, so you won't get a single answer for a given element. In the NIST Handbook of Basic Atomic Spectroscopic Data, you will find Einstein coefficients for spontaneous emission (##A_{ik}##) for many excited states.

Symmetry777 said:
Concerning Spectral Lines are the result of interaction between a quantum system (atoms) and a single photon.

When a photon has about the right amount of energy to allow a change in the energy state of the system (in the case of an atom this is usually an electron changing orbitals, the photon is absorbed.

Then it will be re-emitted either in the same frequency as the original or in a cascade, where the sum of the energies of the photons emitted will be equal to the energy of the one absorbed (assuming the system returns to its original state).
Is there a question in there?
 
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Note that a lifetime does not mean that the transition cannot happen earlier. They is no "minimal waiting time".
 
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DrClaude said:
I guess you are after the lifetime of excited states. Each excited state has its own lifetime, so you won't get a single answer for a given element. In the NIST Handbook of Basic Atomic Spectroscopic Data, you will find Einstein coefficients for spontaneous emission (##A_{ik}##) for many excited states.Is there a question in there?
No, that was for clarity.
 

1. What is an atomic electron transition interval?

An atomic electron transition interval is the time it takes for an electron to move from one energy level to another within an atom. It is a fundamental process in atomic physics and is responsible for the emission and absorption of light.

2. How are atomic electron transition intervals measured?

Atomic electron transition intervals are typically measured using spectroscopy techniques. This involves shining a beam of light on a sample of atoms and analyzing the emitted or absorbed light to determine the energy levels and transitions within the atoms.

3. What factors affect the duration of an atomic electron transition interval?

The duration of an atomic electron transition interval is affected by several factors, including the energy difference between the two energy levels, the nature of the atoms involved, and the temperature and pressure of the environment in which the transition occurs.

4. Can atomic electron transition intervals be manipulated?

Yes, atomic electron transition intervals can be manipulated through the use of external forces such as electric and magnetic fields. This is a key aspect of technologies like lasers and atomic clocks.

5. What practical applications do atomic electron transition intervals have?

Atomic electron transition intervals have a wide range of practical applications, including in atomic clocks for precise timekeeping, in laser technology for various industrial and medical uses, and in understanding the behavior of atoms in different environments such as outer space.

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