How an electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave

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SUMMARY

An electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave through processes such as Compton scattering, where photons interact with free electrons, resulting in the emission of high-energy photons. The cross section for Compton scattering at low energies is approximately 2/3 barn. It is crucial to differentiate between Compton scattering and reflection, as the latter pertains to bulk electrons in materials like metals, while Compton scattering involves individual electrons. The discussion emphasizes that reflection is a characteristic of classical waves and media, not of single particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Compton scattering and its implications in quantum physics.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic waves and their interactions with matter.
  • Knowledge of photon energy and relativistic effects on electrons.
  • Basic concepts of Rayleigh scattering and its distinction from Compton scattering.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Compton scattering and its mathematical formulation.
  • Explore the behavior of electrons in electromagnetic fields, focusing on relativistic effects.
  • Study the differences between Rayleigh scattering and Compton scattering in detail.
  • Investigate the applications of high-energy photon generation in particle physics experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the interactions between light and matter, particularly in the context of particle physics and electromagnetic theory.

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Can someone explain to me how an electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave in a certain direction after being under the effect of the incident electromagnectic wave?
 
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Look up Compton scattering of photons on free electrons. The cross section at low energies is about 2/3 barn. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_scattering

[Edit] Laser (visible) photons can be scattered off of a relativistic beam of electrons and create VERY high energy photons.
 
Last edited:


Compton scattering is not reflection.

It is easiest to see reflection as a property of bulk electrons (for instance, as in a metal) rather than single ones.
 


Vanadium 50 said:
Compton scattering is not reflection. It is easiest to see reflection as a property of bulk electrons (for instance, as in a metal) rather than single ones.
This original statement/question:

"Can someone explain to me how an electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave in a certain direction after being under the effect of the incident electromagnectic wave?"

refers to "an electron" and "re-radiating" rather than "bulk electrons" and "reflecting". But it could also refer to bound atomic electrons and Rayleigh scattering as well as Compton scattering.
 


The title says "reflection", so to answer the OP's question, one should probably point out that reflection is a property of classical waves and media, not individual particles.
 

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