= Photoelectric threshold frequency
{title2=$\nu_0=\Phi/h$}
The <photoelectric threshold frequency> is the lower <frequency> boundary allowed by the ideal single-<photon> <energy> balance. With <vacuum> <wavelength> $\lambda=c/\nu$ and <speed of light> $c$, its corresponding longest <wavelength> is $\lambda_0=hc/\Phi$. The chosen $2.30\,\mathrm{eV}$ <work function> gives $\nu_0\simeq5.561375\times10^{14}\,\mathrm{Hz}$ and $\lambda_0\simeq539.062\,\mathrm{nm}$. These are model parameters, not a measured threshold for a named metal. Detectable <photocurrent> need not begin abruptly at the ideal boundary: collection, finite spectral width, thermal broadening and surface inhomogeneity matter.
Back to article page
