Work

Experimental distinction between the quantum and classical field-theoretic predictions for the photoelectric effect

Year: 1974

Type: article

Abstract: We have measured various coincidence rates between four photomultiplier tubes viewing cascade photons on opposite sides of dielectric beam splitters. This experimental configuration, we show, is sensitive to differences between the classical and quantum field-theoretic predictions for the photoelectric effect. The results, to a high degree of statistical accuracy, contradict the predictions by any classical or semiclassical theory in which the probability of photoemission is proportional to the classical intensity.

Source: Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fields

DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.9.853

Author: John F. Clauser

Institutions: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2074072681

FWCI: 2.132

Cites: 32

Cited by: 373

Related to: 10