Abstract
Most quantum mechanics textbooks approximate the nonrelativistic but high-energy continuum-state wave function by a plane wave in the evaluation of photoelectric effect matrix element. This approximation leads to very wrong results if the gauge is chosen so that the EM interaction Hamiltonian is −(e/m)A⋅p and the matrix element is evaluated directly for the momentum operator. On the other hand, the same approximation is a fair one if the interaction Hamiltonian is written in the −eE⋅r gauge, or when p is replaced by the commutator −im[H,r], where H is the atomic Hamiltonian. This is explicitly demonstrated for the photoelectric effect for the hydrogen atom in the ground state.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
