photoionization
/ˌfoʊtoʊˌaɪənəˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron after absorbing light, resulting in the formation of an ion.
- Scientists study photoionization to understand how stars create and shape clouds of gas in space.
- In a mass spectrometer, photoionization helps identify the chemical composition of a sample.
- Photoionization is a key step in how solar radiation affects the Earth's upper atmosphere.