How to calculate the photon flux of monochromatic light?

In summary, the conversation discusses the theoretical method of estimating photon flux in a media. It mentions the use of photon density and velocity, as well as the solid angle distribution and the speed of light in the media. The issue of calculating photon density for monochromatic light is also raised, and it is suggested to use the Boltzmann distribution function. However, the question of whether spontaneous emission can produce monochromatic light without external filters is also posed, and the need for a more general method to calculate photon flux without using distribution functions is mentioned.
  • #1
Jeffrey Yang
39
0
I'm quite confusing with the theoretical method to estimate photon flux in a media.

The method I knew is use the density of photon multiplied by the velocity of photon. Considering the solid angle distribution, for a certain direction only a part of π/4π can be delivery, therefore the actually we need to multiply c/4 where c is the speed of light in the media.

But the problem is the density. In the conventional situation, such as when we discuss the photon flux from the black body radiation, the density of photon can be calculated by the photonic density of states in the media multiplied by the distribution function, the BE distribution with a temperature equals to the source's. This is the typical method we can find in many book, especially in those about solar cell and thermal radiation.

But how about the light is monochromatic here? If the source is still spontaneous emission here, dose it possible to emit a monochromatic light without external filter? If it cannot, then we can still use BE distribution to calculate the photon flux on the passing wavelength. If it can, how can we calculate the photon flux here? And what distribution function we can use here?

Because the distribution function is defined on a thermal equilibrium environment. Is there any other more general method to calculate the photon flux(photon density) without using distribution function?
 
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  • #2
It depends on your light source. You'll need to know how much radiation emits in some way.

If you try to get perfect monochromatic light from blackbody radiation: That won't work, the intensity for an exact wavelength is zero.
 

FAQ: How to calculate the photon flux of monochromatic light?

1. How is photon flux of monochromatic light calculated?

The photon flux of monochromatic light is calculated by multiplying the energy of the light beam (in joules) by the frequency of the light (in hertz) and dividing by Planck's constant (6.626 x 10^-34 joule seconds).

2. What is monochromatic light?

Monochromatic light refers to light that consists of only one wavelength or color. This means that the light waves have the same frequency and travel at the same speed.

3. Can photon flux be measured directly?

Yes, photon flux can be measured directly using a device called a photometer. This instrument measures the intensity of light and can calculate the number of photons present.

4. How does the photon flux of monochromatic light relate to its intensity?

The photon flux of monochromatic light is directly proportional to its intensity. This means that as the intensity of the light increases, the photon flux also increases proportionally.

5. What are the units of photon flux?

The units of photon flux are photons per second, typically denoted as "photons/s". This unit represents the number of photons that pass through a given area in one second.

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