QFT- Compton Scattering Crossection

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the Compton scattering cross-section using Quantum Field Theory (QFT) principles, specifically referencing Zee's section II.8. The user details their approach to calculating the total amplitude and the subsequent steps to square it, leading to a trace involving gamma matrices. The key challenge lies in simplifying the expression to obtain a term proportional to (k·ε')², which is crucial for arriving at the final result. The user seeks clarification on how to express p' in terms of p and k' to complete the derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) principles
  • Familiarity with gamma matrices and their properties
  • Knowledge of the Compton scattering process
  • Experience with trace calculations in particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Compton scattering cross-section in detail
  • Learn about the properties of gamma matrices and their traces
  • Explore the normalization conditions for polarization vectors
  • Investigate the relationship between four-momenta in scattering processes
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on particle physics and Quantum Field Theory, will benefit from this discussion as it addresses complex derivations relevant to Compton scattering.

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Homework Statement



I'm working through the derivation of the Compton scattering crossection and I'm getting stuck partway through. More details below:

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So, I'm following along with Zee section II.8.

We have two diagrams that contribute to order e^2, one that corresponds to the following amplitude:

A(\epsilon',k',\epsilon,k)=ie^2\bar{u}'\frac{{\not}\epsilon' {\not} \epsilon {\not} k}{2pk}u

The other diagram corresponds to A(\epsilon,-k,\epsilon',k')

Now, I want to find the crossection, which means I have to square the total amplitude, so I end up with a term like:

|A(\epsilon',k',\epsilon,k)|^2=\frac{e^4}{(2pk)^2} Tr(u'\bar{u}' {\not}\epsilon' {\not} \epsilon{\not}k u\bar{u} {\not}k {\not} \epsilon {\not}\epsilon')

=\frac{e^4}{(2pk)^2} Tr(({\not}p'+m) {\not}\epsilon' {\not} \epsilon{\not}k ({\not}p +m ){\not}k {\not} \epsilon {\not}\epsilon')From here, we simplify, and multiply everything out. The m^2 term drops out because {\not}k{\not}k=k^2=\mu^2=0 where mu is the photon mass.

The {\not}p m terms involve odd numbers of gamma matrices and thus drop out when we take the trace. So, we're left with:

=\frac{e^4}{(2pk)^2} Tr({\not}p' {\not}\epsilon' {\not} \epsilon{\not}k {\not}p{\not}k {\not} \epsilon {\not}\epsilon')

Now we simplify using the normalization for the polarization vectors and the anti commutation relations. We get down to:

=\frac{e^4}{(2pk)} Tr({\not}p' {\not}\epsilon' {\not} {\not}k {\not} \epsilon) =4\frac{e^4}{(2pk)}(2(k\epsilon')^2 +k'p))

This last step is where I am getting stuck. I can fill in all the gaps up to this point. This is what I do:

I anticommute the k and epsilon' and then use the normalization {\not}\epsilon'^2=-1

Thus, I am left with:

=4\frac{e^4}{(2pk)}Tr({\not}p'(2k\epsilon') {\not} \epsilon'+{\not}p'{\not}k)

I don't see how I can get to the result given in the line above. The factor of four comes from the trace over the gamma matrices, but specifically, how do I get a term proportional to (k\epsilon')^2

I think I have to express p' in terms of p and k', but I still don't see how I can get to the answer given.

Thanks a lot. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 

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