Heating of elements with laser light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the absorption of laser light by iron, specifically its 404nm emission line, and contrasts it with copper. It is established that iron must be in a gaseous state to achieve narrow band absorption due to the influence of valence electrons in a lattice structure. The conversation highlights that various mechanisms, including scattering and reflection, affect light absorption, not solely electron transitions. Additionally, the Pauli Exclusion Principle is noted as a factor that alters the absorption characteristics of atoms in close proximity, leading to band formation in condensed matter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of laser light properties, specifically 404nm wavelength.
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and electron behavior in solids.
  • Familiarity with the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Concepts of light-matter interaction, including absorption, scattering, and reflection.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of laser-material interaction, focusing on absorption spectra.
  • Study the effects of valence electrons on light absorption in different states of matter.
  • Explore the implications of the Pauli Exclusion Principle in condensed matter physics.
  • Investigate the differences in light absorption between gases and solid materials.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and engineers interested in laser applications, light-matter interactions, and the behavior of elements under laser irradiation.

philip porhammer
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One of the emission lines of iron is 404nm, would iron absorb the heat from a blue laser and not copper?
Not a student, just an old curious guy.
Thanks,
Philip
 
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The iron would probably need to be in gaseous form or you wouldn’t get narrow band absorption.
 
so, the valance electrons in a lattice of Iron would change the frequency or bandwidth of an absorption line?
 
A solid material placed in the hot sun gets warmer than if it is placed in the shade. That has nothing to do with valence electrons. The same applies for laser light.

There are many mechanisms for light to be absorbed, scattered, or reflected by materials. Not all of them are associated with an electron in an atom jumping energy states.
 
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ok thanks
 
philip porhammer said:
so, the valance electrons in a lattice of Iron would change the frequency or bandwidth of an absorption line?
An isolated atom will have a line structure but, in the close presence of other atoms, the Pauli Exclusion Principle tells us that no two atoms can have the same quantum numbers. The presence of the other atoms (sufficiently close) will spread the lines into bands.
Condensed matter has very different behaviour from low density gases.
 
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thanks,
P
 
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