photoionized
/ˌfoʊtoʊˈaɪənaɪzd/
adjective
- Describes an atom or molecule that has lost an electron because of absorbing light (photons).
- In the lab, the photoionized gas glowed with a faint blue light.
- Scientists studied the photoionized particles to understand how light interacts with matter.
- The photoionized atoms in the nebula created a beautiful spectrum.
verb
- To cause an atom or molecule to lose an electron by absorbing light (photons).
- High-energy ultraviolet light can photoionize the gas in a star-forming region.
- When sunlight hits the upper atmosphere, it can photoionize nitrogen and oxygen atoms.
- The laser was powerful enough to photoionize the metal vapor in the chamber.