Light: Electron Deflection Q&A

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential deflection of an electron by the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of a laser beam. It is determined that the photon must be absorbed or scattered by the electron in order for any transfer of energy to occur. While this process is similar to Compton scattering, it may not strictly follow its laws. The frequency and energy of the laser beam and electron play a significant role in determining whether the electron will be deflected.
  • #1
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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  • #2
The electron would have to be deflected because light has momentum.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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?
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
so basically it is Compton scattering
 
  • #7
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.
 
  • #8
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.
 

1. What is light?

Light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is made up of particles called photons, which have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

2. How is light produced?

Light can be produced in various ways, including through heat, chemical reactions, and electricity. In most cases, light is produced when atoms or molecules release energy in the form of photons.

3. How does light interact with matter?

Light can interact with matter in three main ways: absorption, reflection, and transmission. When light is absorbed, it is converted into another form of energy, such as heat. When light is reflected, it bounces off the surface of an object. When light is transmitted, it passes through the object.

4. What is electron deflection?

Electron deflection is the process of using electric or magnetic fields to change the path of an electron. This is often used in electron microscopes, where an electron beam is deflected to create an image of an object at a very small scale.

5. How does electron deflection play a role in understanding light?

In experiments involving light, electron deflection can be used to detect the presence and properties of light. For example, in the double-slit experiment, electrons are deflected by the presence of light waves, providing evidence of the wave-like nature of light.

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