Comptonszóródásnál

Comptonszóródásnál, more commonly known as Compton scattering, is a physical phenomenon observed when a photon interacts with a charged particle, typically an electron. During this interaction, the photon transfers some of its energy and momentum to the electron, causing the photon to scatter at an angle and with a reduced wavelength. This phenomenon is a clear demonstration of the particle nature of light, as it cannot be explained by classical wave theory.

The key characteristic of Compton scattering is the change in the photon's wavelength, which is dependent on the scattering angle. The larger the angle through which the photon is deflected, the greater the energy transfer to the electron, and thus the greater the increase in the photon's wavelength. This relationship was mathematically described by Arthur Compton in 1923, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Compton scattering has important implications in various fields. In astrophysics, it plays a role in the scattering of X-rays and gamma rays in interstellar gas and dust. In medical imaging, particularly in the development of CT scanners and PET scanners, understanding Compton scattering is crucial for accurate image reconstruction and radiation shielding. It is also a fundamental process studied in nuclear physics and particle physics experiments.