photoelectron
FOH-toh-i-lek-tron
Definition
A particle (specifically an electron) that is emitted from a material, such as a metal surface, when it absorbs electromagnetic radiation like light or X-rays.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the Greek 'phōs' (light) and 'electron,' which stems from the Greek 'ēlektron' (amber, which produces static electricity when rubbed). It was coined in the early 20th century to describe the physics of the photoelectric effect.
In the news
The article mentions this term as part of a specialized analytical technique (APECS) used to observe the chemical state of copper surfaces at the atomic level. It is essential here for researchers to accurately measure how much copper atoms have been oxidized during early corrosion.
Why Does Copper Oxidize? Scientists Uncover Surprising Behavior That's Useful in Nuclear Waste Storage
Read the full article ↗International Business Times, Singapore Edition