atom-photon interactions

Atom-photon interactions occur when light (photons) encounters atoms, causing changes in the atom's energy state. When a photon with the right energy hits an atom, it can be absorbed, exciting the atom to a higher energy level. Conversely, an excited atom can release a photon, returning to a lower energy state. These interactions explain phenomena like absorption, emission, and the behavior of lasers and solar cells. They are fundamental to understanding how light and matter influence each other, shaping much of modern physics and technology.