[seowulf]

Interesting.

I like your description much better.

On the atomic level, as the electrons move through the orbitals, is the energy infrared or friction or both?

[AndyJackson]

The elecron energy is normal kinetic energy e.g. billiard ball. But when it collides with a nucleus, it is like hitting a bowling ball. It mostly bounces off, but it does transfer some energy and momentum to the bowling ball - the ion.

The energy levels of an electron in a semi conductor can range from the optical equivalent of infrared up to the near ultraviolet (this e.g. blue LEDs).