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arXiv · 1501.06838

Majorana and the theoretical problem of photon-electron scattering

M. Di Mauro·S. Esposito·A. Naddeo
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Abstract

Relevant contributions by Majorana regarding Compton scattering off free or bound electrons are considered in detail, where a (full quantum) generalization of the Kramers-Heisenberg dispersion formula is derived. The role of intermediate electronic states is appropriately pointed out in recovering the standard Klein-Nishina formula (for free electron scattering) by making recourse to a limpid physical scheme alternative to the (then unknown) Feynman diagram approach. For bound electron scattering, a quantitative description of the broadening of the Compton line was obtained for the first time by introducing a finite mean life for the excited state of the electron system. Finally, a generalization aimed to describe Compton scattering assisted by a non-vanishing applied magnetic field is as well considered, revealing its relevance for present day research.

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M. Di Mauro, S. Esposito, A. Naddeo. 2015-01-27. Majorana and the theoretical problem of photon-electron scattering. https://arxiv.org/abs/1501.06838

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