Tree-level diagram Moller scattering

In summary, the conversation discusses the Lagrangian for a hypothetical scenario where electrons and photons are spinless. It also discusses the tree level diagrams for Moller scattering, which involves two electrons. The question arises about whether there is a third diagram, but it is determined that there is not due to the lack of a charged scalar particle in the Lagrangian.
  • #1
kelly0303
561
33

Homework Statement


If the electron and photon were spinless, in the non-relativistic limit we can write the Lagrangian as: $$L=-\frac{1}{2}\phi_e(\Box+m_e^2)\phi_e-\frac{1}{2}A_0\Box A_0+em_eA_0\phi_e\phi_e$$ For Moller scattering $$e^-e^- \to e^-e^- $$ Draw the three tree level diagrams following from the Lagrangian.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So the interaction part must couple 2 electrons with a photon. 2 tree level diagrams are normal scattering (like in QED) in t and u channel. What is the 3rd one? Is there another vertex I am missing from the Lagrangian? Thank you!
 
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  • #2
kelly0303 said:

Homework Statement


If the electron and photon were spinless, in the non-relativistic limit we can write the Lagrangian as: $$L=-\frac{1}{2}\phi_e(\Box+m_e^2)\phi_e-\frac{1}{2}A_0\Box A_0+em_eA_0\phi_e\phi_e$$ For Moller scattering $$e^-e^- \to e^-e^- $$ Draw the three tree level diagrams following from the Lagrangian.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So the interaction part must couple 2 electrons with a photon. 2 tree level diagrams are normal scattering (like in QED) in t and u channel. What is the 3rd one? Is there another vertex I am missing from the Lagrangian? Thank you!
There is no third diagram, indeed. It seems to be a mistake in the question (they probably were thinking of ##e^-e^+ \to e^+ e^-##).
 
  • #3
I don't see why you can't have an s-channel diagram. The problem is just asking for the scattering between scalars right? There's no [itex]e^+[/itex] particle.
 
  • #4
king vitamin said:
I don't see why you can't have an s-channel diagram. The problem is just asking for the scattering between scalars right? There's no [itex]e^+[/itex] particle.
A scalar can still be charged. If the scalar electron is charged, there cannot be an s-channel for the process ##e^-e^- \to e^-e^-##.

But now I notice that the Lagrangian contains only ##\phi_e##, not ##\phi_e^*## so it seems that you are correct and I was wrong, and that their electron is its own antiparticle (in which case the notation ##e^-## is terribly misleading).
 

1. What is a tree-level diagram for Moller scattering?

A tree-level diagram for Moller scattering is a graphical representation of the interaction between two electrons, where one electron emits a photon and is scattered by the other electron, resulting in a change in direction and energy for both electrons. This diagram is used to calculate the probability of this scattering event occurring.

2. Why is Moller scattering important in physics?

Moller scattering is important in physics because it is one of the fundamental processes that govern the behavior of electrons. It is also a crucial component in understanding the behavior of matter and radiation, and has applications in fields such as particle physics and nuclear physics.

3. How is Moller scattering related to the Standard Model of particle physics?

Moller scattering is related to the Standard Model of particle physics as it is one of the fundamental interactions described by the model. In the Standard Model, Moller scattering is described by the exchange of a virtual photon between the two electrons, mediated by the electromagnetic force.

4. What factors affect the likelihood of Moller scattering?

The likelihood of Moller scattering is affected by several factors, including the energy and momentum of the electrons, the distance between the electrons, and the angle at which the electrons are scattered. The probability of this scattering event also depends on the strength of the electromagnetic force, which is determined by the electric charge of the electrons.

5. How is Moller scattering experimentally observed?

Moller scattering can be experimentally observed by measuring the energy and direction of the scattered electrons. This can be done using detectors and instruments such as particle accelerators, which can accelerate electrons to high energies, and detectors that can measure the scattered electrons' trajectories and energies. The data collected from these experiments can be compared to theoretical predictions based on tree-level diagrams to verify the accuracy of the Standard Model.

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