Compton scattering S-matrix and cross section in strong magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive quantum electrodynamics framework for calculating Compton scattering in strong magnetic fields, including polarization, spin, and Landau level effects, applicable to astrophysical contexts like neutron stars.

Contribution

It introduces a novel calculation method for scattering matrix elements and cross sections that accounts for electron spin-dependent Landau level widths and arbitrary initial conditions.

Findings

Provides explicit formulas for scattering matrix elements and cross sections.

Includes polarization and spin effects in the scattering process.

Simplifies calculations for radiation transfer in strong magnetic fields.

Abstract

Compton scattering of polarized radiation in a strong magnetic field is considered. The recipe for calculation of the scattering matrix elements, the differential and total cross sections based on quantum electrodynamic (QED) second order perturbation theory is presented for the case of arbitrary initial and final Landau level, electron momentum along the field and photon momentum. Photon polarization and electron spin state are taken into account. The correct dependence of natural Landau level width on the electron spin state is taken into account in general case of arbitrary initial photon momentum for the first time. A number of steps in calculations were simplified analytically making the presented recipe easy-to-use. The redistribution functions over the photon energy, momentum and polarization states are presented and discussed. The paper generalizes already known results and offers a basis for accurate calculation of radiation transfer in strong $B$-field, for example, in strongly magnetized neutron stars.