Klein–Nishina formula

E83430

The Klein–Nishina formula is a fundamental result in quantum electrodynamics that gives the differential cross section for Compton scattering of photons by free electrons, incorporating relativistic and quantum effects.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf equation in physics
physical law
result in quantum electrodynamics
appliesTo scattering of photons by free electrons
assumes initially free electron at rest
single‑photon scattering
basedOn Dirac equation
surface form: Dirac theory of the electron

quantum electrodynamics
category equations of quantum electrodynamics
scattering cross sections
characterizes polarization dependence of Compton scattering
dependsOn classical electron radius
fine‑structure constant
incident photon energy
scattering angle
describes differential cross section for Compton scattering
domain relativistic quantum mechanics
expressedIn natural units in high‑energy physics
field high‑energy physics
particle physics
quantum electrodynamics
scattering theory
generalizes Thomson cross section
surface form: Thomson scattering formula
gives angular distribution of scattered photons in Compton scattering
energy dependence of Compton scattering cross section
importantFor calibration of gamma‑ray detectors
understanding interaction of gamma rays with matter
incorporates quantum effects
relativistic effects
isSolutionOf tree‑level QED scattering amplitude for photon–electron scattering
namedAfter Oskar Klein
Yoshio Nishina
predicts anisotropic scattering at high photon energies
decrease of Compton cross section with increasing photon energy
reducesTo Thomson cross section in the low‑energy limit
relatedTo Compton effect
surface form: Compton scattering formula for photon energy shift

Compton wavelength of the electron
relates incident photon energy to scattered photon energy and angle
usedIn Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport
detector design for high‑energy photons
gamma‑ray astronomy
medical physics
radiation physics
validFor photon energies comparable to or larger than electron rest mass energy
yearProposed 1929

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Referenced by (5)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Yoshio Nishina notableWork Klein–Nishina formula
Yoshio Nishina knownFor Klein–Nishina formula
this entity surface form: Klein–Nishina formula for Compton scattering
Compton effect relatedTo Klein–Nishina formula
Oskar Klein notableWork Klein–Nishina formula
Thomson cross section isLowEnergyLimitOf Klein–Nishina formula