The discussion centers on the Compton Effect, specifically the scattering of low energy photons by free electrons. It establishes that a free electron cannot absorb a photon, but when low energy photons are scattered, it leads to Compton scattering. The conversation also distinguishes between Compton scattering and inverse Compton scattering, the latter involving high energy electrons interacting with low energy photons to produce high energy photons. This clarification is crucial for understanding photon-electron interactions in quantum physics.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in photon-electron interactions and their applications in fields such as astrophysics and particle physics.
YesSpar said:An electron which is freely propagating in space cannot absorb any photon. What if we scatter a low energy photon (big wavelength) by a free electron? Will it be the Compton scattering?