Number of photons in photoelectric effect

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between light intensity and the number of photons in the context of the photoelectric effect. It is established that for a given frequency, an increase in light intensity corresponds to an increase in the number of photons, with one photoelectron emitted per photon. The conversation highlights that while a light source may emit a consistent average number of photons, fluctuations occur, known as "Shot Noise," which affects measurements in fields like photometry and astrophotography.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with photon statistics
  • Knowledge of Shot Noise in photometry
  • Basic principles of light intensity and frequency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the photoelectric effect and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of Shot Noise and its impact on photometric measurements
  • Study the statistical behavior of photons in various light sources
  • Investigate techniques to mitigate Shot Noise in astrophotography
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, photometrists, astrophotographers, and anyone interested in the quantum behavior of light and its measurement challenges.

cbram
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Does the intensity of light mean increase no. of photons?
 
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cbram said:
Does the intensity of light mean increase no. of photons?
For a given frequency of photons it does. A maximum of one photoelectron for each arriving photon.
 
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons
 
cbram said:
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons


The equivalence is only there for statistically large numbers. You would not get 21 every second.
 
Thanks for the information
 
cbram said:
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons

Oh, if only! The statistical fluctuation in photons per unit of time is known as "Shot Noise" and is a major source of noise in photometry, astrophotography, and other areas.
 

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