Quantum Science: Photoemission and Interference Exercises

This lecture covers exercises related to quantum science, focusing on photoemission and interference phenomena. The instructor begins by discussing the photo-multiplier tube and the concept of photoemission, explaining the energy required for electrons to escape from a metal surface. The relationship between the current generated and the wavelength of light is analyzed, emphasizing that only a fraction of photons contribute to the current due to quantum efficiency. The lecture progresses to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, where the instructor explains the probabilities of detecting single photons at different detectors. The discussion includes the implications of quantum mechanics on photon behavior and interference patterns. The instructor also addresses the average position and variance of identical particles, providing mathematical insights into these concepts. Finally, the Crookes radiometer is examined, illustrating the effects of light and heat in a vacuum. Throughout the lecture, the instructor encourages student participation and problem-solving, reinforcing the theoretical concepts with practical exercises.