The Einstein Coefficient

The Einstein Coefficient describes the likelihood of atoms changing energy states by absorbing or emitting light. When an atom absorbs a photon, it moves to a higher energy level; Einstein's coefficient measures how often this occurs. Conversely, when it emits a photon, it drops to a lower energy state, and that rate is also quantified. These coefficients help scientists understand how atoms interact with light, which is essential in fields like astrophysics and laser technology. Essentially, they are probabilities that govern how atoms respond to electromagnetic radiation in a predictable way.