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Bound-state Compton scattering of linearly polarized photons

Jonas Sommerfeldt1,2, Nick M. Mayer3,4, Anna Maiorova5,6, Wilko Middents5,6,7, Stephan Fritzsche5,6,8, Thomas Stöhlker5,6,7, and Andrey Surzhykov3,4

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Phys. Rev. A 114, 022804 – Published 4 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6d5f-trx2

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of Compton scattering of x-rays and γ rays by a K-shell electron. Special attention is paid to the double-differential cross section and polarization of the scattered photons for linearly polarized incident photons. To investigate these observables, we employ the scattering matrix (S−matrix) approach based on relativistic Green's functions. The S−matrix results are moreover compared with predictions of the free-electron and impulse approximations, allowing us to assess the role of electron binding effects. Detailed calculations are carried out for hydrogenlike Ne9+ and Pb81+ targets over a wide range of incident photon energies and scattering angles. The calculations reveal kinematic regimes in which the impulse approximation agrees reasonably well with the S−matrix results. We also explore the polarization of scattered photons for slightly depolarized incident radiation, including the highly sensitive case of scattering at 90∘.

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Phys. Rev. A 114, 022804– Published 4 August, 2026
  • Received 15 April 2026
  • Accepted 16 July 2026
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