Photoelectric Effect with changing electric field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum momentum of electrons emitted from lithium (Li) metal when subjected to electromagnetic (EM) radiation with a time-varying electric field described by E(t) = a(1+cos[w*t])*cos[w0*t]. The parameters provided include a = 18 V/m, w = 6E14 1/sec, w0 = 3.6E15 1/sec, and the work function Phi[Li] = 2.39 eV. The maximum momentum is achieved when the energy U of the radiation is at its peak, which can be derived using the vector Poynting theorem, where U = (c/4π)*E^2. The highest frequency photon contributes to the maximum momentum of the emitted electrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect and its equations
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic radiation and electric fields
  • Knowledge of the Poynting vector and energy density in EM fields
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics related to photon energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the Poynting vector in electromagnetic theory
  • Study the relationship between photon frequency and energy in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the implications of varying electric fields on electron emission
  • Learn about advanced applications of the photoelectric effect in modern physics
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying quantum mechanics or electromagnetic theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the photoelectric effect and its applications in material science.

liorda
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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:
[tex]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][/tex]
,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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