Compton Effect: Understand Maths & Photon Production

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Compton Effect, specifically its mathematical framework and photon production during Compton scattering. Participants highlight that Compton scattering is a fundamental example in quantum electrodynamics (QED), particularly referenced in Bjorken and Drell's "Relativistic Quantum Fields." Key concepts include the conservation of energy and momentum during photon scattering off stationary electrons, with a classical total cross section (σtot) of approximately 0.66 x 10-24 cm2. Additional resources for deeper understanding include links to Wikipedia and specific chapters from academic texts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Compton Scattering principles
  • Classical Elastic Scattering concepts
  • Understanding of total cross section (σtot)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinematics of Compton scattering in detail
  • Review Bjorken and Drell's "Relativistic Quantum Fields" for foundational knowledge
  • Explore the classical total cross section in depth
  • Investigate the differences between Compton scattering and Thomson scattering
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical underpinnings of photon interactions in quantum electrodynamics.

darkxponent
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I can understand the whole mathematics in this effect. The thing that i could understand is the production of new photon. I mean how it is produced. Is it similar to refraction in solid state physics. Can anyone xplain
 
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As I recall, Compton scattering is a standard example in textbooks on quantum electrdynamics (QED), at the level of Bjorken and Drell's "Relativistic Quantum Fields." But that's fairly old by now. Perhaps someone can suggest a newer reference.
 
The kinematics of Compton scattering is similar to classical elastic scattering in the sense that a photon scatters off a stationary electron, there is a recoil electron and a scattered photon. Both energy and momentum are conserved. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_scattering
The probability of a single photon Compton scattering off of one of N electrons in a box 1 cm on a side is Nσtot.

σtot = about 0.66 x 10-24 cm2. This called the classical total cross section (Thomson scattering)..

Compton scattering is discussed in

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~michiel/ismclass_files/radproc07/chapter7.pdf

Thompson scattering is discussed in (see page 48)

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~michiel/ismclass_files/radproc07/chapter4.pdf
 
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thnx Bob
 

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