Photoelectric Effect with changing electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum momentum of electrons emitted from lithium metal under varying electromagnetic radiation. The user correctly identifies the relationship between the energy of emitted electrons and the photoelectric effect, using the equation E = U - Phi. They seek to determine the maximum energy (U) of the radiation, which is influenced by the electric field's time-dependent function. Another participant suggests analyzing the electric field's frequency components, highlighting that the highest frequency corresponds to the most energetic photon, thereby maximizing electron momentum. The conversation concludes with the user acknowledging the importance of the highest frequency in determining maximum momentum.
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The Question:
Find the maximum momentum of the electrons emitted from the surface of the Li metal, under the projection of the metal with EM radiation, when the electric component of the radiation is a function of time: E(t) = a(1+cos[w*t])*cos[w0*t]

a= 18 [V/m]
w= 6E14 [1/sec]
w0= 3.6E15 [1/sec]
Phi[Li]= 2.39 [eV]

My Problem:
I know the photoelectric effect is E= U - Phi.
The emitted electrons' momentum is (p^2)/2m = E, Hence: p = Sqrt[2m*U-Phi], where U is the energy of the radiation.

I believe the maximum p will be reached when U is in its maximum.
I have used vector Poynting on an EM field and found that U=(c/4pi)*E^2.

I can't find where U is in its maximum.

Does my way of solution correct? How to find the maximum value of U?

Thanks.
 
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Hi, I think you have chosen the Einstein's theory but you do not take the light as photon. Try this:
E=a(1+\cos\omega t)\cos\omega_0t=a(\cos\omega_0t+\cos\omega t\cos\omega_0t)<br /> =a\left[\cos\omega_0t+\frac{1}{2}\cos(\omega_0+\omega)t+\frac{1}{2}\cos(\omega_0-\omega)t\right]
,which means there are three kinds frequencies in the incident light.
The maximum momentum photo-electron comes from the highest frequency photon.

Hope it helpful.
 
Last edited:
I got it. The heightest frequency of the electric field is the frequency of the most energetic photon.

Thank you.
 
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