Theory of contact electrification: Optical transitions in two-level systems

A first quantum-mechanical calculation of electron transfer and light coupling between two dissimilar atoms interacting at a distance is presented based on the one-electron Schrödinger model and the Fermi Golden Rule, Static and dynamic studies of contact electrification and photon emission between two groups of atoms are analyzed using the Einstein rate equations. The model may present a new paradigm for better understanding and exploitation of charge transfer in nanotriboelectric systems consisting of many atoms or solids.145