In electron/photon interactions does the handedness of the photon matter?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 4K views
Edward Milne
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
In an interaction between a free electron and a photon does the handedness of the photon matter?

For example, does an electron interact more strongly with a left-handed photon or with a right-handed photon (assuming both photons have the same frequency)?

Does the electron spin (left- or right-handed) affect the strength of the interaction?

Or is the interaction strength independent of electron spin and photon spin?

Many thanks for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MQ, thank you very much for the useful information on magnetic Compton scattering.

EM.