What is the difference between Thomson scattering and Compton scattering?

Compton scattering is the scattering of a photon upon the interaction with a charged particle such as an electron. Whereas, Thomson scattering is a type of elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a free-charged particle.

How the Rayleigh scattering is formed?

Rayleigh scattering results from the electric polarizability of the particles. The oscillating electric field of a light wave acts on the charges within a particle, causing them to move at the same frequency. The particle, therefore, becomes a small radiating dipole whose radiation we see as scattered light.

How does Thomson scattering work?

Thomson scattering is the scattering of photons by free electrons in an ionized gas. Since the number density of scattered photons and their spectral distribution is directly related to important plasma properties such as ne and Te, it is one of the most prominent techniques in plasma diagnostics.

What causes Thomson scattering?

In the low-energy limit, the electric field of the incident wave (photon) accelerates the charged particle, causing it, in turn, to emit radiation at the same frequency as the incident wave, and thus the wave is scattered.

What is Rayleigh scattering?

Definition of Rayleigh scattering : scattering of light by particles small enough to render the effect selective so that different colors are deflected through different angles.

What is Thomson scattering cross-section?

Thomson scattering is the elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a free charged particle, as described by classical electromagnetism. It is the low-energy limit of Compton scattering: the particle’s kinetic energy and photon frequency do not change as a result of the scattering.

What is the condition for Rayleigh scattering?

Solution : (a) The essential condition for Rayleigh scattering is that size of scatterer (x) must be far less than the wavelength of light.

What is the difference between bremsstrahlung and characteristic interaction?

The two unique mechanisms by which x-rays are produced are called the bremsstrahlung and characteristic processes. Bremsstrahlung x-rays produce a continuous x-ray spectrum, whereas characteristic x-rays are produced at specific narrow bands of energies.

How is Thomson cross section calculated?

cross section is called the Thomson cross section, symbolized by the Greek letter sigma with subscript zero, σ0, and is equal to a numerical factor times the square of the term, electric charge squared divided by electron rest energy, or σ0 = (8π/3) (e2/mc2)2.

What is Rayleigh scattering example?

Rayleigh Scattering Example For instance, the colour of the sky is blue because of the scattering of sunlight by the atmosphere.