In electron/photon interactions does the handedness of the photon matter?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether the handedness of a photon affects its interaction with a free electron and if the electron's spin also plays a role. It is stated that the handedness of the photon does matter, as seen in magnetic Compton scattering.
  • #1
Edward Milne
2
0
In an interaction between a free electron and a photon does the handedness of the photon matter?

For example, does an electron interact more strongly with a left-handed photon or with a right-handed photon (assuming both photons have the same frequency)?

Does the electron spin (left- or right-handed) affect the strength of the interaction?

Or is the interaction strength independent of electron spin and photon spin?

Many thanks for your help.
 
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  • #3
MQ, thank you very much for the useful information on magnetic Compton scattering.

EM.
 

1. Does the handedness of the photon affect its energy?

No, the handedness of the photon does not affect its energy. The energy of a photon is determined by its frequency, not its handedness.

2. Can a photon have both left and right-handed polarization?

No, a photon can only have one handedness of polarization at a time. However, the handedness can change if the photon interacts with a chiral medium.

3. How does the handedness of a photon affect its interaction with matter?

The handedness of a photon can affect its interaction with matter in chiral systems. For example, in a chiral molecule, a left-handed photon may interact more strongly with the molecule than a right-handed photon.

4. Is the handedness of a photon conserved in interactions?

Yes, the handedness of a photon is conserved in interactions. This means that the handedness of the photon before the interaction will be the same after the interaction.

5. Can the handedness of a photon be manipulated?

Yes, the handedness of a photon can be manipulated through interactions with chiral media or through techniques such as circularly polarized light. However, the handedness of a photon cannot be changed through interactions with non-chiral matter.

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