photoionizes
/ˌfoʊtoʊˈaɪənaɪzɪz/
verb
- To cause an atom or molecule to become electrically charged by absorbing light (photons).
- The laser photoionizes the gas, creating a plasma that can be studied.
- When ultraviolet light photoionizes a hydrogen atom, it releases an electron.
- In the upper atmosphere, sunlight photoionizes nitrogen and oxygen molecules.