Ionisation and the Photoelectrical Effect

[Spud101]

During the photoelecrtical effect, when a single electron gains energy from a single photon through collison and the electron has energy to move out past the outer shell of the atom, would this effect cause ionisation, therefore making it possible for producing an electrical current between objects?

 

[fleem]

Yes, that's called photoconductivity.

 

[Spud101]

Is this similar to how a solar panel would work?

 

[flatmaster]

Similar, Yes