Single photon absorbed by single atom antenna

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    Antenna Atom Photon
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between a single photon and a theoretical antenna composed of a single copper atom. It establishes that when a 5 kHz photon is absorbed by the atom, the energy boost causes electron oscillation. However, the conversation clarifies that a single copper atom does not function as an antenna, as collective behavior cannot be derived from individual particle interactions. The relationship between photon energy and electron behavior is explained through the equation E = hν, emphasizing the need for a classical understanding of antennas to grasp the collective motion of electrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically photon-electron interactions.
  • Familiarity with classical electromagnetism and wave theory.
  • Knowledge of the correspondence principle in physics.
  • Basic concepts of collective behavior in solid-state physics.
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  • Research the principles of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and its implications for photon interactions.
  • Study classical antenna theory, focusing on how collective electron motion occurs in conductive materials.
  • Explore the correspondence principle and its applications in bridging quantum and classical physics.
  • Investigate the role of quantized energy levels in electron behavior within metals.
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students interested in the fundamentals of photon interactions, antenna theory, and the principles of quantum mechanics.

jaydnul
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If I shot a 5khz photon at a theoretical antenna made of one copper atom, the electron would absorb the photon and gain energy. What is it about that boost in energy that makes the electron oscillate at 5khz in the direction perpendicular to the photon's direction of propagation?
 
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If you have a single copper atom, then you don't have an antenna, nor will you have an electron oscillation at the frequency of the photon. The atom (nucleus + electrons) will absorb the energy of the photon, which is related to its frequency by ##E = h \nu##.

'if you want to understand antennas, a classical picture is best (classical EM wave + classical motion of conduction electrons in a metal). Collective behavior canot be reduced to the behavior of individual particles.
 
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I'm not looking for a better working model of how antennas work, I'm just curious.

Even if you have a classical electromagnetic wave, it can only ever interact/transfer energy through quantized bits (photons). So I'm asking about the correspondence principle; how do the individual photon-electron interactions add up to produce the collective motion in the axis perpendicular to the direction the EM wave is traveling?
 

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