THE PHOTO EFFECT IN COLLOIDAL METAL PARTICLES,
Abstract
The conclusion was drawn that the photo effect is uniquely dependent on the frequency of the light and the size of the object. This dependence is qualitatively different from the characteristics of massive metal cathodes. The reason for this is not hard to find. The absorption of light of a given frequency by the conduction electrons of the metal depends to a considerable extent on the position of the starting energy level. A small change in the latter is sufficient to produce a sharp variation in the probability of absorption of the light. In spite of the fact that an increase in the size of the irradiated objective is accompanied by an increase in the number of levels, their position may be such that none conditions a significant absorption of light, and hence a significant photocurrent, at the given frequency. Conversely, if the object is small, there may be only a single level from which light of the given frequency can transfer electrons to the continuous spectrum, but the probability of such a process may be quite high. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0600226
Entities
People
- I. M. Dykman
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory