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From atoms to quarks: How does electron scattering reveal the mysteries of the universe?
When we mention electron scattering, the first thing that comes to mind is the mysterious journey of electrons traveling through different materials. Electron scattering is not only an important physical phenomenon, it also helps scientists reveal the basic structure of matter and even trace it back to the origins of the universe. This article takes you into this mysterious realm and explores how electron scattering is key to understanding the structure of the universe.
Basic principles of electron scattering
Electron scattering occurs when electrons deviate from their original orbit. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the interaction of electrostatic forces within the substance, or in the presence of an external magnetic field, electrons may be deflected by the Lorentz force. The scattering behavior of electrons in solid-state materials such as metals, semiconductors, and insulators is often a limiting factor in the performance of integrated circuits and transistors.
The forms of electron scattering include: no scattering, single scattering, multiple scattering and multiple scattering. The possibility and degree of electron scattering mainly depend on the thickness and free path of the sample.
History of electron scattering
The concept of electrons was first proposed by the natural philosopher Richard Laming between 1838 and 1851, who postulated the existence of these subatomic particles with unit charge. Although J.J. Thomson first confirmed the existence of electrons in 1897, many other scientists have made contributions to the development of electron-related theories. For example, George Johnston Stoney coined the term "electron," and Arthur Compton's discovery of Compton scattering in 1923 led to a deeper understanding of electrons and allowed him to obtain won the 1927 Nobel Prize in Physics.
The discovery of Compton scattering showed that when high-energy photons interact with free-charge particles, they scatter inelastically, and that this process contradicts traditional radiation theory.
The atmosphere and phenomenon of electron scattering
Electrons can be scattered by other charged particles through the electrostatic Coulomb force. In addition, if a magnetic field exists, charged particles will be deflected by the Lorentz force during motion. This series of scattering phenomena can be accurately described by quantum electrodynamics, which includes quantum and relativistic effects.
Application of Lorentz force
The Lorentz force is closely related to the motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields. According to the basic formula of electrodynamics, the force experienced by a charged particle can be described as a combination of electric field force and magnetic field force. This relationship is crucial for understanding the electron scattering process.
Coulomb force model
The electrostatic Coulomb force describes the attraction or repulsion between charged particles, the strength of which is proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This principle provides an important theoretical basis in the interaction of electrons and other elementary particles.
Types and applications of scattering
Electron scattering is usually divided into two types: elastic and inelastic. Elastic scattering refers to the preservation of the total kinetic energy in a collision between two particles, while inelastic scattering involves a loss of kinetic energy and a change in the internal state of the particles. This process has broad applications in many fields of science, from semiconductor physics to plasma physics, where electron scattering plays a crucial role.
Electron-Molecular Scattering
The scattering process between electrons and isolated atoms or molecules occurs in the gas phase and plays an important role in plasma physics and chemistry. Usually this process is handled through quantum mechanics, and the R-matrix method is one of the main methods for calculating cross sections.
Inverse Compton Scattering and Astronomy
In astronomy, inverse Compton scattering is the process of transferring energy from electrons to photons when the moving electrons have sufficient kinetic energy. This effect is particularly evident in supernovae and active galactic nuclei, providing key evidence for high-energy particles in astrophysics.
Conclusion
As one of the most basic analytical tools for matter, electron scattering not only helps scientists observe the structure of matter, but also reveals countless mysteries for exploring the universe. With the advancement of technology, the application of electron scattering will become more widespread, paving the way for us to have a deeper understanding of microscopic and cosmic-level physical phenomena. Can we uncover more mysteries of the universe through electron scattering?
