What is the metal(s) used in photoelectric experiments?

[Oerg]

My question is simple: What is the metal(s) used in photoelectric experiments?

Textbooks just put a tiny metal foil. Any answer would be appreciated. Thnx.

 

[dextercioby]

Any metal...?Depends also on the radiation used,because the work differs from metal to metal,but it's in the "eV" range.

Daniel.

 

[marlon]

Any metal...?Depends also on the radiation used,because the work differs from metal to metal,but it's in the "eV" range.

Daniel.

you mean work function, right ?

marlon

 

[dextercioby]

Left.Chirality is a convention,remember...?

Daniel.

 

[marlon]

you have a strange sense of humour ,dexter

marlon, sinister

 

[Oerg]

Hmmm...

What was the metals that Lenard and Millikan used in their experiments?

I know Millikan used sodium, but it was said thathe tried using different metals.

Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?

 

[DaveC426913]

Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?

What makes metals 'metallic' is that they give up their electrons easily, (thus making them conductive).

 

[Gokul43201]

Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?

With non-metals, you must also overcome the band-gap which can be several eV wide. So it would take more energetic (higher frequency) radiation...but it is possible.

 

[Dr.Brain]

Any metal can be used , but the main need is that the light ray or the wave which is incident should have sufficient frequency so as to overcome the work function of the metal used.

 

[Oerg]

thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.

 

[Gokul43201]

thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.

answered in post #8

In fact, to emphasize this, let me add that (angle resolved) photo-electron spectroscopy has proven to be a most valuable experimental probe to study the band structure of insulators like the cuprates and the manganites.

 

[ZapperZ]

thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.

Take note that just because metals are typically used in a photoelectric effect experiment doesn't mean non-metals haven't been used. The band structure of semiconductors was verified using photoemission experiments. And there has been even photoemission done on "insulators" (not band insulators though).

Zz.

 

[Gokul43201]

And there has been even photoemission done on "insulators" (not band insulators though).

Zz.

I thought XPS has been used on bandgap insulators as well.

 

[Kane O'Donnell]

XPS works for basically any element except He, H. Obviously this is because X-rays have a hellofalot of energy.

Kane

 

[Kane O'Donnell]

To add to what I just said, XPS is practically just a photoelectric experiment, because all you're doing is shooting X-rays at a target made of anything and measuring the kinetic energy of the ejected photoelectrons.

Kane

 

[ZapperZ]

I thought XPS has been used on bandgap insulators as well.

You're right. I should have qualified that statement by including the phrase "standard photoemission" to mean only those done within the visible range. UPS have been done on insulators as well, but mainly on Mott insulators.

Zz.