Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the possibility of an electron absorbing multiple photons simultaneously or sequentially to transition between energy levels and subsequently emitting a photon. The scope includes theoretical considerations, quantum electrodynamics (QED), and references to experimental findings.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant proposes that an electron can absorb two photons simultaneously to jump to a higher energy level and emit a higher energy photon.
- Another participant agrees that the energy difference between the electron's ground state and excited state can correspond to the sum of two photon energies.
- A different participant questions the existence of references supporting the absorption of multiple photons, specifically six or ten at once.
- One reply references a publication discussing five-photon absorption in a fluorophore, suggesting that similar principles may apply to electrons.
- Another participant cites QED formalism, stating that simultaneous absorption of two photons is not possible due to the absence of a corresponding vertex in Feynman rules.
- Further clarification is sought regarding whether an electron can absorb multiple photons sequentially, with the possibility of emitting one photon after several absorptions being raised.
- One participant notes that while two-photon absorption is possible, conservation laws may limit the likelihood of multiple photon absorption events.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of simultaneous versus sequential photon absorption by electrons. There is no consensus on the maximum number of photons that can be absorbed or the conditions under which this occurs.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the need for conservation of angular momentum and energy in photon absorption processes, as well as the increasing unlikelihood of higher-order absorption events.