How Do You Spell EXCITON?

Pronunciation: [ɛksˈɪtən] (IPA)

The word "exciton" (ɛksaɪtɒn) refers to a quasiparticle created when an electron in a solid is excited to a higher energy level by absorbing energy from a photon. The spelling follows the typical English pronunciation rules for the letter combination "x", which is pronounced as /ks/. The "i" in "exciton" is pronounced as a short /ɪ/ sound, while the final "on" is pronounced with a short /ɒn/ sound. This word is commonly used in the field of physics to describe the behavior of electrons in solids.

EXCITON Meaning and Definition

1. Exciton is a term used in the field of solid-state physics to describe a quasiparticle, which behaves as a fundamental particle in certain solid-state materials. Specifically, an exciton refers to a bound state of an electron and a hole (an absence of an electron) within a material, typically a semiconductor or an insulator. It can be thought of as an excited state resulting from the promotion of an electron from the valence band to the conduction band, leaving behind the corresponding hole.

   The formation of an exciton involves the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged electron and the positively charged hole, creating a stable particle. Excitons possess unique properties due to their quantum nature, such as the ability to exhibit wave-like behavior and discrete energy levels.

   These quasiparticles play a crucial role in various optical and electronic phenomena. They are responsible for the absorption and emission of light in semiconductor materials, influencing the material's luminescence and optical properties. Excitons can also contribute to energy transport, exciton diffusion, and exciton-exciton interactions within a material, which are significant in understanding the behavior of optoelectronic devices.

   In summary, an exciton refers to a bound state of an electron and a hole in a solid-state material, typically a semiconductor, that behaves as a unique, collective quasiparticle, influencing various optical and electronic properties.

Common Misspellings for EXCITON

• exction
• exostom
• leciton
• excito
• excton
• exscitor
• exsitor
• ecxiton
• exicton
• exscitonic
• excitonik
• exciosn
• exceriton
• Exetton
• Exzitor
• exshiton
• Exctoinc
• Exctioon
• Exsiston
• Xhitox

Etymology of EXCITON

The word "exciton" originated from the field of solid-state physics and has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "ektos", which means "outside" or "beyond", combined with the suffix "-on" commonly used to denote a subatomic particle or a quantum entity.

The concept of excitons was first introduced by Russian physicist Yakov Frenkel in his work on molecular aggregates in the 1930s. Frenkel used the term "exciton" to describe the bound state of an electron and a hole (an empty electron state) created by the absorption of a photon in a solid material. This composite particle exhibits properties of both a particle and a wave, carrying both energy and momentum.

Plural form of EXCITON is EXCITONS