Introduction
The photon-target interaction refers to the process by which a photon interacts with a material target, such as an atom, molecule, or a subatomic particle. These interactions are crucial in various scientific disciplines, including quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
Types of Interactions
The general photon-target interaction can be classified into several types, each with different outcomes based on the energy of the photon and the properties of the target. These interactions include:
- Photoelectric Effect
- Compton Scattering
- Pair Production
Mathematical Description
The photon-target interaction is described by several important equations. For example, the energy of the photon \( E \) is related to the frequency \( \nu \) by the equation:
\( E = h \nu \)
Where:
- h is Planck's constant (\(6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J} \cdot \text{s}\))
- \(\nu\) is the frequency of the photon
In addition, for the Compton scattering phenomenon, the energy of the scattered photon can be described using:
\( \lambda' - \lambda = \frac{h}{m_e c} (1 - \cos \theta) \)
Where:
- \( \lambda \) is the wavelength of the incident photon
- \( \lambda' \) is the wavelength of the scattered photon
- \( m_e \) is the electron mass
- \( c \) is the speed of light
- \( \theta \) is the scattering angle