What phenomenon occurs when photons strike a surface and cause the release of electrons?

The phenomenon where photons strike a surface and cause the release of electrons is known as photoemission. This process occurs when light interacts with a material, typically a metal, and imparts enough energy to the electrons in that material to overcome the work function, allowing them to escape from the surface.

Photoemission is crucial in a variety of fields, such as photoelectric cells and various imaging technologies. For instance, it forms the basis for the operation of devices like photodetectors and solar panels, where the interaction between light and electrons is fundamental to their function.

In contrast, electroluminescence refers to the emission of light from a material when an electric current passes through it, which involves a different mechanism than photon interactions. The thermoelectric effect relates to the direct conversion of temperature differences into electrical voltage, and the photovoltaic effect specifically deals with the generation of electrical power from solar energy in solar cells but does not encompass the release of electrons due to photon impact directly. Thus, understanding photoemission is critical in contexts where light and electron interactions are being applied.