Leo.Ki said:I'm wondering whether QM considers photon absorption by an accelerating atom as an instantaneous event, or the change in velocity (and proper time) of the atom affects the perceived distribution of the wave packet and the outcome of the process. In other words, is there a "Doppler gradient" affecting the absorption? Thanks!
Photon absorption in an accelerated atom occurs when the atom is moving and interacts with a photon. The atom absorbs the photon's energy, causing it to transition to a higher energy state.
The absorption of photons by an accelerated atom can be affected by the energy and frequency of the photons, the velocity of the atom, and the angle at which the photon and atom collide.
Yes, an accelerated atom can absorb multiple photons at the same time. This is known as multi-photon absorption and it occurs when the energy of the photons is higher than the energy required for a single-photon transition.
Photon absorption by an accelerated atom differs from absorption by a stationary atom in that the energy and momentum of the atom are changed due to its acceleration, which can affect the absorption process. Additionally, the Doppler effect can also play a role in the absorption of photons by an accelerated atom.
Studying photon absorption by an accelerated atom can have applications in fields such as laser physics, quantum optics, and atomic and molecular physics. It can also help in understanding the behavior of atoms in high-energy environments, such as in particle accelerators.