How an electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanisms by which an electron can re-radiate an electromagnetic wave after being influenced by an incident electromagnetic wave. It explores concepts related to scattering, reflection, and the behavior of electrons in different contexts, including single electrons and bulk materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an explanation of how an electron re-radiates an electromagnetic wave after being affected by an incident wave.
  • Another participant references Compton scattering as a relevant phenomenon, noting its cross section at low energies and mentioning the creation of high-energy photons from laser photons interacting with relativistic electrons.
  • Some participants clarify that Compton scattering is distinct from reflection, suggesting that reflection is better understood in the context of bulk electrons, such as those in metals.
  • There is a discussion about the original question potentially referring to bound atomic electrons and other scattering processes like Rayleigh scattering, in addition to Compton scattering.
  • One participant emphasizes that reflection pertains to classical waves and media rather than individual particles, suggesting a need to clarify the terminology used in the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of the original question, particularly in distinguishing between reflection and scattering processes. There is no consensus on the best way to explain the re-radiation of electromagnetic waves by electrons.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of the terms used, such as "reflection" and "re-radiation," and the potential confusion arising from different contexts (single electrons vs. bulk materials). There are also unresolved aspects regarding the specific mechanisms involved in the re-radiation process.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, or particle physics, particularly in understanding the interactions between electromagnetic waves and electrons.

Thierry12
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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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