Time-scale of Compton scattering

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of δt in Compton scattering and its relation to classical physics. There is a debate about whether instantaneous events can be given an infinitesimal duration relative to Planck time, but it is unknown how physics at the Planck scale looks like.
  • #1
IxRxPhysicist
34
0
Hey all,
Anyone know if there is a δt to Compton scattering or is it an instantaneous event, entertaining classical physics...billiard balls colliding in an elastic collision.

Cheers
 
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  • #2
That depends on your interpretation. Relating the transferred energy to a time via ##\delta t \approx \frac{\hbar}{\delta E}## might give some interesting results.
 
  • #3
Interesting. Not to go out there too much but that does beg the notion that every event (even instantaneous ones) can be given some infinitesimal duration relative to Planck time.

IxR
 
  • #4
We don't know how physics at the Planck scale looks like.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
We don't know how physics at the Planck scale looks like.

Not challenging that notion.

IxR
 

1. What is Compton scattering?

Compton scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (particle of light) collides with a charged particle, such as an electron, and loses some of its energy. This results in an increase in the wavelength of the scattered photon, known as the Compton effect.

2. How does Compton scattering relate to the time-scale of a system?

The time-scale of Compton scattering refers to the duration of the interaction between the photon and the charged particle. This interaction is extremely short, on the order of femtoseconds (10^-15 seconds). This is because the Compton effect is a high-energy process that occurs at the atomic scale.

3. What factors influence the time-scale of Compton scattering?

The time-scale of Compton scattering is affected by the energy of the incident photon, the mass of the charged particle, and the angle of scattering. Higher energy photons and lighter charged particles tend to have shorter interaction times.

4. Can the time-scale of Compton scattering be measured experimentally?

Yes, the time-scale of Compton scattering can be measured using advanced techniques such as pump-probe spectroscopy. This involves using a laser to excite a sample and then using another laser as a probe to measure changes in the sample's properties on a femtosecond time-scale.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding the time-scale of Compton scattering?

Understanding the time-scale of Compton scattering is important in fields such as materials science, where it can provide insights into the behavior of electrons in materials. It also has applications in medical imaging, as Compton scattering is used in X-ray imaging techniques to create images of bones and other dense structures in the body.

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