Undergrad Difference between binding energy and ionization energy

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Ionization energy and binding energy are distinct concepts in atomic physics, with ionization energy referring to the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, while binding energy indicates the energy needed to disassemble a system of particles into separate parts. In the case of aluminum, the ionization energy is approximately 6 eV, whereas the binding energy is around 5 eV, highlighting a discrepancy between the two values. This difference arises from the various forces at play in the atom, including electron-electron repulsion and the specific energy levels of the electrons. Understanding these energies is crucial for comprehending atomic structure and electron interactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate data sources for binding energy measurements.
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Hi!
I wonder since some time why ionization energies are not equal to binding energies.

For instance, take the case of aluminum in the following configuration [Ne]3s²3p

Ionization energy ~ 6 eV
Binding energy ~ 5 eV

Where does this difference come from ?

Thanks in advance
 
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What is your source for these numbers (especially the binding energy)?
 
Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

I am observing an irregular, aperiodic noise pattern in the reflection signal of a high-finesse optical cavity (finesse ≈ 20,000). The cavity is normally operated using a standard Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking configuration, where an EOM provides phase modulation. The signals shown in the attached figures were recorded with the modulation turned off. Under these conditions, when scanning the laser frequency across a cavity resonance, I expected to observe a simple reflection dip. Instead...
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