How can photolysis of a ketene produce a carbene?

The photolysis of ketenes—substances characterized by molecules containing two carbon atoms and an oxygen atom joined by double bonds—is a common method for generating carbenes.

When these compounds are subjected to photolysis (treatment with light), the molecules undergo decomposition. This process results in the cleavage of the ketene molecule, yielding a molecule of carbon monoxide and the corresponding carbene.1

Because carbenes are high-energy, transient intermediates, this photochemical reaction provides the necessary energy to facilitate their formation.21