How many tree-levels in various QED processes

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Therefore, the number of tree-level diagrams is dependent on the particles involved and their interaction. In summary, there are two tree-level Feynman diagrams in Compton scattering, pair annihilation, Moller scattering, and Bhabba scattering due to different interacting particles, while electron/positron to muon/antimuon scattering and electron/muon to electron/muon scattering only have one tree-level Feynman diagram due to identical particles and their direct interaction.
  • #1
Lapidus
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how many tree-level diagrams in various QED processes

Why do Compton scattering, pair annihilation, Moller scattering and Bhabba scattering have two
tree-level Feynman graphs to sum over, whereas electron-positron to muon-antimuon scattering and electron-muon to electron-muon scattering have only one tree-level Feynman graph?

I suspect that it has something to do with identical particles, but I do not see how.

any help appreciated
 
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  • #2
Just look at the individual graphs - if the final particles are the same as the initial particles, you always have a simple photon exchange. Something you cannot have if the particles are different.
 
  • #3
thanks for answering mfb!

But then why does "electron + photon --> electron + photon" (Compton scattering) have two Feynman diagrams at the tree level, but "electron + muon --> electron + muon" only one!
 
  • #4
Electrons and photons interact directly with each other, and you have two possible ways to connect incoming + outgoing photons to the electron.
In electron/muon scattering, the single photon exchange is the only option.
 

1. How many tree-levels are there in a basic electron-positron scattering process in QED?

In a basic electron-positron scattering process in QED, there are two tree-level diagrams: the s-channel diagram and the t-channel diagram. These diagrams represent different ways in which the particles can interact with each other.

2. Are there always two tree-level diagrams in QED processes involving only two particles?

No, there may be cases where one of the tree-level diagrams is not allowed due to conservation laws. For example, in a process where an electron and a positron annihilate to produce a photon, there is only one allowed tree-level diagram.

3. How many tree-level diagrams are there in a process involving more than two particles?

The number of tree-level diagrams in a process involving more than two particles depends on the specific process and the number of particles involved. In general, the number of tree-level diagrams increases with the number of particles.

4. Do all tree-level diagrams contribute equally to the overall amplitude of a QED process?

No, some tree-level diagrams may have a larger contribution to the overall amplitude than others. This depends on the specific process and the strengths of the interactions involved.

5. Are higher-order diagrams considered as tree-level diagrams in QED processes?

No, higher-order diagrams involve virtual particles and are not considered as tree-level diagrams. Tree-level diagrams represent the leading order contribution to a process and do not involve virtual particles.

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