What is the Cross Section Calculus for Proton-Electron Scattering?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the cross section for proton-electron scattering as detailed in Chris Quigg's book "Gauge Theories of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions." The specific formula provided is the Rosenbluth cross section, expressed as \(\frac{\mbox d^2\sigma}{\mbox d E^\prime\mbox d\Omega^\prime} =\frac1{16\pi^2}\frac{E^\prime}{E}\bar{|\mathcal M|}^2\). Participants recommend foundational texts such as D. Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles" for beginners and Bjorken and Drell for more advanced study, emphasizing the importance of understanding gamma matrix algebra.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Understanding of gamma matrices
  • Familiarity with scattering theory
  • Knowledge of field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Rosenbluth cross section derivation in detail
  • Read D. Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles"
  • Explore Bjorken and Drell for advanced scattering theory
  • Practice algebra involving gamma matrices in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those focusing on scattering processes and quantum electrodynamics, will benefit from this discussion.

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In the book "Gauge Theories of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions" by Chris Quigg the calculus of the scattering of proton-electron is esbosed (chapter 7, section 3 , pag 168).

He get the result (in the lab frame):

[tex]\frac{\mbox d^2\sigma}{\mbox d E^\prime\mbox d\Omega^\prime} =\frac1{16\pi^2}\frac{E^\prime}{E}\bar{|\mathcal M|}^2[/tex].

I'm new to this kind of calculus, but couldn't get this.

Does Anyone have a suggestion?.

Thanks in advance
 
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It's called the Rosenbluth cross section. Basic QED and field theory books, e.g Bjorken and Drell, Gross, etc. go into the derivation in great detail. Check out Google. The big deal is the algebra required to deal with the gamma matrices.

Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
If you are really new to this kind of stuff (undergrad level), I highly recommend:

D. Griffiths, "Introduction to elementary particles", J. Wiley & Sons (1987.).

I liked all other Griffiths' books (Electrodynamics, Quantum mechanics) and this one is no exception. For more advanced level I'd say go with Bjorken and Drell (that would be for graduate level).
 

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