In photoelectric absorption, what happens to the incident photon?

In photoelectric absorption, the incident photon interacts with an atom and is completely absorbed by it, resulting in the cessation of its existence. This process involves the photon transferring its energy to an electron in the atom, typically an inner-shell electron. The energy from the photon is enough to overcome the binding energy of this electron, allowing it to be ejected from the atom.

As a result of this absorption, the photon dissipates, and the atom is left in an excited state. This can subsequently lead to the emission of characteristic X-rays or Auger electrons as the atom seeks to regain stability. The complete absorption of the photon is a key feature of photoelectric absorption and distinguishes it from other interactions like scattering or reflection, where the incident photon continues to exist in some form after the interaction.