Inverse Compton Scattering: Photons Mugging Electrons

A discussion of Inverse Compton Scattering, whereby a photon scattering off of a moving electron gains energy. This video examines how Doppler shifting and relativistic effects combine with traditional Compton scattering to allow an electron to impart energy to a photon in the laboratory reference frame. More material at: casper.berkele...

[@shaswatachowdhury9032]

Thanks a lot!!

[@amiramaz]

Thank you! Really helpful

[@ziyangchen2301]

very helpful!

[@sand7500]

What would be the inverse compton scattering in terms of wavelength?

[@AtreusAtreides]

Nice video. I just dont get the part about Compton scattering being only relevant for photon energies bigger than the electron mass. As you said, the energy transfer becomes very small for low photon energies, but the cross section of this process can still be high.

[@cryora]

The energy transfer (therefore wavelength shift) is small, so it's less considered as a "quantum effect". Instead, it becomes known as Thomson Scattering, which can be treated classically. And yes, the cross section of Thomson Scattering can be significant. But note that the wavelength shift equation applies to nonrelativistic electrons, where the direction of energy transfer is from proton to electron. For relativistic electrons, where the direction of energy transfer is in the other direction, you have to use the inverse Compton Scattering equations.