Compton scattering of photons from electrons in thermal (Maxwellian) motion: electron heating
The Compton differential scattering of photons from a relativistic Maxwell distribution of electrons is reviewed. The exact theory and the approximate theories due to Wienke and Lathrop were verified for application to particle transport codes. We find that the ordinary (zero temperature) Klein-Nishina formula can be used up to electron temperatures of 10 keV if errors of less than 1.6% in the total cross section and of about 5% or less in the differential cross section can be tolerated. Ohterwise, for photons below 1 MeV and temperatures below 100 keV the Wienke-Lathrop isotropic approximation is recommended. Were it not for the four integrations effectively required to use the exact theory, it would be recommended. An approximate (Cooper and Cummings), simple, accurate, total cross section as a function of photon energy and electron temperature is presented.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6756342
- Report Number(s):
- LA-10065-MS; ON: DE84013860
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700105* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Plasma Kinetics-Theoretical-- (-1987)
BASIC INTERACTIONS
BOLTZMANN STATISTICS
COMPTON EFFECT
CROSS SECTIONS
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
INTERACTIONS
LEPTONS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
PHOTONS
SCATTERING