Photoelectric Effect

From Qwiki

The photoelectric effect is the process whereby electrons are emitted from a (typically) metallic surface being irradiated by an Electro-Magnetic Field. While this effect is often cited as "proof" of the quantized nature of the Electro-Magnetic Field, it can be readily analyzed semiclassically 1. Thus, it is a historical irony that Einstein received his Nobel Prize [1] for the analysis of the photoelectric effect and the subsequent adoption of the "Photonic" view of the electro-magnetic field. It is, however, more frustrating than ironic that mills of physics textbooks perpetuate the misconception that the photoelectric effect, as understood circa 1905, requires the quantization of the electro-magnetic field.