Photons coming from atoms, when electron changes levels

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of electroluminescence, specifically how electrons transition from higher to lower energy states in LED diodes, resulting in photon emission. This process is fundamentally linked to the oscillation of electromagnetic (EM) waves, as stated by a professor at Yale. The emitted light's color is determined by the bandgap energy of the materials forming the p-n junction in the LED. The conversation highlights a gap in common textbook explanations, which often oversimplify the underlying physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electroluminescence in semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with p-n junctions in diodes
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Concept of energy levels in atomic physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electroluminescence in detail
  • Explore the relationship between bandgap energy and emitted light color
  • Study the physics of photon emission during electron transitions
  • Investigate advanced semiconductor materials used in LED technology
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, physicists, and anyone interested in the principles of light emission in semiconductor devices.

Bassalisk
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Today I did the usual thinking, watched some courses online etc. and found out(or rather reminded myself) that the EM waves can be produced only when a charge oscillates.(or that's what the professor at Yale said)

But then I remembered LED diodes, and their ability to emit light. Electron goes from higher energy to lower energy state and produces a photon in process. Not until today I gave this a thought.

How come it emits a photon? Photon is a EM wave, it oscillates. So in order to emit a photon, it had to oscillate in the process?
Is this one of those answers "it just does that", "its the way it works" or is there more to it? Because all textbooks are going as deep as: change of energy: emit a photon.
 
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Bassalisk said:
But then I remembered LED diodes, and their ability to emit light. Electron goes from higher energy to lower energy state and produces a photon in process. How come it emits a photon?
This effect is called electroluminescence and the color of the light is determined by the bandgap energy of the materials that form the p-n junction. I'm not the kind of guy you want to guide you further down this rabbit hole, but at least now you know where it is. Btw, maybe you should try a more physics oriented subforum if you want to push this? Good luck.
 
gnurf said:
This effect is called electroluminescence and the color of the light is determined by the bandgap energy of the materials that form the p-n junction. I'm not the kind of guy you want to guide you further down this rabbit hole, but at least now you know where it is. Btw, maybe you should try a more physics oriented subforum if you want to push this? Good luck.

Yes i posted it now in physics. I am used to this forum, because i study EE :D Thanks for the help!
 

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