The difference between Compton and DeBroglie wavelengths?

[raul_l]

Hi.
As you can see, the question is pretty straightforward. What is the difference between the Compton and the DeBroglie wavelength?

I have looked into Wikipedia and other sites but I'm still somewhat confused.
Thanks.

 

[Lester]

De Broglie wavelength is associated to any quantum particle through the relation lambda=h/p being p the momentum of the particle and h the Planck constant. Compton wavelength is a constant entering into Compton scattering, that is just electron-photon scattering and is given by h/mc being m the electron mass and c the speed of light. This wavelength is appeared again into QED computations with a meaning of a kind of physical limit for particles with electromagnetic interactions. E.g. when you correct the interaction potential between two charges through the effects of vacuum fluctuactions you find that these corrections are only meaningful for lengths of the order of the Compton wavelength for the given charged particles deviating at these distances with respect to the known Coulambian form.

Jon

 

[sir-pinski]

The Compton wavelength and the DeBroglie wavelength are two different concepts in physics, both related to the wave-particle duality of matter. Here are some key points to help clarify the difference between them:

1. Definition: The Compton wavelength is defined as the wavelength of a photon that is scattered by a free electron. On the other hand, the DeBroglie wavelength is the wavelength associated with a particle's momentum.

2. Formula: The Compton wavelength is given by λ = h/mc, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the electron, and c is the speed of light. The DeBroglie wavelength, on the other hand, is given by λ = h/p, where p is the momentum of the particle.

3. Nature of particles: The Compton wavelength only applies to particles with rest mass, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. The DeBroglie wavelength, on the other hand, applies to all particles, including massless particles like photons.

4. Experimental verification: The Compton wavelength has been experimentally verified through the Compton scattering process, where X-rays are scattered off electrons. The DeBroglie wavelength has also been verified through experiments such as electron diffraction.

5. Significance: The Compton wavelength is important in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms and their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. The DeBroglie wavelength, on the other hand, is important in understanding the wave-like nature of all particles and their behavior in quantum systems.

In summary, the Compton wavelength and the DeBroglie wavelength are two different concepts that describe different aspects of the wave-like behavior of particles. The Compton wavelength is specific to particles with rest mass, while the DeBroglie wavelength applies to all particles. Both are important in understanding the fundamental nature of matter and its behavior in quantum systems.