Probability of finding a particle in a solid angle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the probability of finding a photon emitted from a decaying \pi0 meson within a solid angle in different reference frames, incorporating concepts from general relativity and quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of isotropic emission in the rest frame of the meson and how this translates to the lab frame.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant poses a question regarding the probability P(θ) of photon emission into a solid angle dΩ, noting the isotropic nature of the emission in the rest frame of the \pi0 meson.
  • Another participant suggests that the probability P(θ) in one frame can be related to P'(θ') in another frame through the aberration formula, indicating a transformation between angles in different reference frames.
  • A third participant expresses uncertainty about the form of P(θ) and questions how it can be determined, indicating a lack of clarity on the known aspects of the distribution.
  • A fourth participant asserts that since the distribution is isotropic in the rest frame, P(θ) should be inversely proportional to sin(θ), with normalization required to find the constant of proportionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the exact form of P(θ) or how it can be derived, indicating that multiple views and uncertainties remain regarding the probability distribution and its transformation between frames.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the normalization of P(θ) and the specific form of the distribution in the lab frame, as well as the dependence on the definitions of angles in different reference frames.

cjurban
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I have an interesting question that I'm not sure how to go about solving. This question has a little general relativity and (maybe) a little QM, but I wasn't sure where to post it.

Question:
Imagine that a \pi0 meson traveling along the z-axis (velocity v=0.99c, rest mass M) decays into two photons. The angular distribution of the photons is isotropic in the rest frame of the pion. If in the lab frame the \pi0 meson travels with velocity v in the z direction, what is the probability P(θ)dΩ that a photon is emitted into the solid angle dΩ?
We also know \intP(θ)dΩ=1.

My ideas:
I know the Lorentz transformations, so switching between frames is no biggie. I know Ω\equivA/r2, and I know the differential solid angle. What's confusing to me is P(θ). Do I need to get the particle's wave function, as in P(θ)=ψ2(θ)? How would one do this? Any hints would be helpful.
 
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The probability P(θ) dθ that the particle is between θ and (θ + dθ) will be the same probability P'(θ') dθ' that the particle is between θ' and (θ' + dθ'), where θ and θ' are the angles as measure in the two different reference frames (Aberration formula). Since P(θ) is known, it is possible to calculate P'(θ').
 
P(θ) is known? Am I missing it? I'm not exactly sure what it would be, or how to get it.
 
Didn't you say the distribution is isotropic in the rest referential frame? P(θ) must be inversely proportional to sin(θ) and the constant of proportionality is found by normalizing the probability
 

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