Light: Electron Deflection Q&A

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction between light, represented as oscillating electric and magnetic fields, and electrons, specifically whether an electron can be deflected by a laser beam or if such interactions resemble Compton scattering. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding the nature of these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that an electron would be deflected by light due to the momentum carried by light.
  • Others argue that any energy transfer occurs when a photon is absorbed or scattered by the electron, rather than through a simple interaction with the electric or magnetic fields.
  • One participant suggests that the interaction can be likened to Compton scattering, particularly when considering high-energy photons.
  • Another participant notes that outside the high-energy limit of Compton scattering, the electromagnetic field can still impart momentum to the electron, but this may not strictly follow Compton scattering laws.
  • It is mentioned that the frequency of the laser beam plays a crucial role in determining whether scattering occurs, with a distinction made for relativistic speeds of the electron.
  • Some participants express uncertainty regarding the conditions under which scattering might occur, indicating a need for further clarification on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the nature of the interaction between light and electrons, particularly whether it can be classified as Compton scattering and under what conditions scattering occurs. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the energy levels of both the photons and the electrons, as well as the frequency of the laser beam. There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific conditions under which scattering may or may not occur.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the interactions of light with matter, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics and particle physics.

cragar
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This may be a dumb question but if light is an oscillating E and B field, If i shot an electron into to a laser beam will it get deflected by the lights E and B fields. Or is this like Compton scattering.
 
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The electron would have to be deflected because light has momentum.
 
The oscilatting fields are what make up a photon. Any transfer of energy would have to occur because the photon gets absorbed or scattered by the electron, not a simple interaction because of one of the fields.
 
Drakkith said:
The oscilatting fields are what make up a photon. Any transfer of energy would have to occur because the photon gets absorbed or scattered by the electron, not a simple interaction because of one of the fields.

That is energy measured in an orthogonal direction to that of the momentum gained though right?
 
LostConjugate said:
That is energy measured in an orthogonal direction to that of the momentum gained though right?

If that means what I think it means, then yes. The photon would only effect the electron by being absorbed or scattered, which transfers it's momentum to the electron. A photon passing near an electron would not deflect either one.
 
so basically it is Compton scattering
 
Compton scattering is the limiting case where the photon has high energy and can essentially be approximated as a classical particle.

Outside this limit, the EM field will still impart momentum to an electron, but it may be a stretch to say that it obeys the laws of Compton scattering.

Claude.
 
cragar said:
so basically it is Compton scattering

It depends on the frequency of the laser beam. If it is high enough the electron MIGHT get scattered. Otherwise it will not unless it is traveling at relativistic speeds. In which case it could undergo inverse compton scattering.

If the electron and the photons are not of sufficient energy, then I don't think the electron will be scattered. I don't know too much on the subject so someone else may need to clarify that.
 

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