Does light induce an electric current in a conductor?

Question

I know that electromagnetic waves induce electric currents in conductors and that's the basis for radio, wi-fi etc.

I also know that light is also an electromagnetic wave. So, can light induce a current in a conductor (like a metal wire? or a coil?). And, if the answer is yes, is the same visible for other high-frequency waves (X-rays, gamma)?

I heard about the photoelectric effect, but it seems related to the particle theory of light (photons transferring their energy to electrons).

So, do high-frequency electromagnetic waves generate electric currents? Is it possible to measure them? Is the skin effect relevant here?

Just a side remark: voltage is induced, not current. – zonksoft Jan 25 '13 at 16:23 — zonksoft, Jan 25 '13 at 16:23

score 9 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 25 '13 at 16:51

You only get generation of an oscillating EMF in the antenna if the frequency of the EM radiation is less than the plasma frequency of the metal. For higher frequencies the electrons in the antenna can't move fast enough to respond to the EM oscillation so you can't generate a potential difference.

The frequency of green light is around 600THz, and Googling suggests the plasma frequency of silver is about the same (there seem to be a wide range of values). So visible light is right on the edge of generating an EMF and shorter wavelength EM radiation won't generate an EMF.

You neglected to mention that if the energy of the photon must be higher than the work function of the metal, excess energy may be carried away by the ejected electron by the photoelectric effect. — Will Cross, Jan 25 '13 at 17:36

Does light induce an electric current in a conductor?

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