Quantum Electrodynamics 2012-2013: Dr. Madalina Boca 2013

Quantum Electrodynamics 2012-2013
dr. Madalina Boca
2013
2
Contents
1 The Dirac propagator 5
2 The photon propagator 9
3 Traces of γ matrices, sums over electrons spins 11

3.1 Properties of γ matrices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Calculation of sums over electrons spins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Mott Scattering 17
5 Electron-proton scattering 21
6 e− − e− scattering (Möller scattering) 27
7 e− − e+ scattering 31
8 Bremsstrahlung 33
9 Compton Scattering 37
10 e− − e+ annihilation 43
3
4 CONTENTS
Chapter 1
The Dirac propagator
The free Dirac propagator (Feynman propagator) is the Green function of the free Dirac
equation, solution of the non-homogeneous equation
ˆ
(P̂ − mc)SF (x − y) = ~Iδ(x − y) (1.1)
where Iˆ is the identity 4 × 4 matrix and the components of the four-vector momentum operator
are Pµ = i~∂µ . We solve the previous equation in the momentum space, i.e. we calculate the
Fourier transform of the propagator SF . Starting from the expression of SF (x − y) in terms of
its Fourier transform SF (p)
Z
1 i
SF (x − y) = d4 pe− ~ p·(x−y) SF (p) (1.2)
(2π~)4
and using the equation verified by SF (x − y) and also the Fourier representation of the δ function
Z
1 i
δ(x − y) = d4 pe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.3)
(2π~)4
we obtain
Z Z
1 − ~i p·(x−y) 1 i
4
d pe (p̂ − mc)SF (p) = ~ d4 pe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.4)
(2π~)4 (2π~)4
i.e.
p̂ + mc
SF (p) = ~(p̂ − mc)−1 = ~ (1.5)
p2 − (mc)2
and Z
1 i p̂ + mc
SF (x − y) = ~ d4 pe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.6)
(2π~)4 p2− (mc)2
Note that the four variables of integration are independent, i.e. the four vector p is not on mass
shell.
2 2 2
p integrand has poles at p0 = p + (mc) . We will denote the two poles by p0 = ±ζ, with
The
2 2
ζ = p + (mc) > 0. We change the integration contour in p0 as in the figure below
5
6 CHAPTER 1. THE DIRAC PROPAGATOR
and rewrite the propagator as

Z Z
1 i
p·(x−y) p̂ + mc
SF (x − y) = ~ dpe ~ dp0 (1.7)
(2π~)4 p20 − p2 − (mc)2
C
We distinguish two cases:
• for x0 > y 0 the integration contour is closed in the lower half-plane and we use the Cauchy
theorem taking into account the contribution of the pole p0 = ζ. We obtain
0
p·(x−y)−ζ(x0 −y 0 )] γ ζ − γ · p + mc
Z
1 i
SF (x − y) = −i dpe ~[ (1.8)
(2π~)3 2ζ
or, if we define a four vector p on the mass-shell, p = (ζ, p) we can write

Z
1 i p̂ + mc
SF (x − y) = −i 3
dpe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.9)
(2π~) 2p0
• for x0 < y 0 the calculation is similar, except for integration contour is closed in the upper
half-plane. The result is
0
p·(x−y)+ζ(x0 −y 0 )] −γ ζ − γ · p + mc
Z
1 i
SF (x − y) = −i dpe ~[ (1.10)
(2π~)3 2ζ
or,if we define a four vector p on the mass-shell, p = (ζ, −p) we can write
−p̂ + mc
Z
1 i
SF (x − y) = −i dpe ~ p·(x−y) (1.11)
(2π~)3 2p0
7
Written in compact form, the propagator is

Z
1 i p̂ + mc
SF (x − y) = −iθ(x − y )0 0
3
dpe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.12)
(2π~) 2p0
−p̂
Z
1 i + mc
−iθ(y 0 − x0 ) 3
dpe ~ p·(x−y)
(2π~) 2p0
An equivalent form can be written as a superposition of free Dirac solutions

XZ
0 0
SF (x − y) = −iθ(x − y ) dpΨi (x, p)Ψ̄i (y, p) (1.13)
i=1,2
XZ
+iθ(y 0 − x0 ) dpΨi (x, p)Ψ̄i (y, p)
i=3,4
where
r
1 i
− ~ p·x mc2
Ψ1,2 (x, p) = e u1.2 (p) (1.14)
(2π~)3/2 E
r
1 i
p·x mc2
Ψ3,4 (x, p) = e ~ w1.2 (p) (1.15)
(2π~)3/2 E
(1.16)
Finally, we notice that instead of changing the integration contour we can use the same result
by slightly changing the position of the poles in the complex plane
ζ → ζ − i, −ζ → −ζ + i, (1.17)
or, equivalently, we can write the propagator as

Z
1 i 1
SF (x − y) = ~ 4
d4 pe− ~ p·(x−y) (1.18)
(2π~) p̂ − mc + i
We emphasize that because of this choice of the direction of shifting for the poles (or, equiv-
alently, changing the integration path) Feynman propagator SF propagates the positive energy
solutions forward in time, and the negative energy solutions backward in time.
8 CHAPTER 1. THE DIRAC PROPAGATOR
Chapter 2
The photon propagator
The four-vector potential of the electromagnetic field is a solution of the equation

1
Aµ = Jµ (2.1)
c2 0
The photon propagator (the Green function of the differential equation) is the solution of the
equation
Df (x − y) = δ(x − y) (2.2)
We calculate the photon propagator using the Fourier transform method. We denote the Fourier
transform of DF (x − y) by DF (q);
Z
1 i
DF (x − y) = d4 qe− ~ q(x−y) DF (q) (2.3)
(2π~)4
and
−q 2 − i q(x−y)
Z
1
DF (x − y) = d4 q e ~ DF (q) (2.4)
(2π~)4 ~2
Using the representation of the δ function
Z
1 i
δ(x − y) = d4 qe− ~ q(x−y) (2.5)
(2π~)4
(2.2) becomes
q2 −~2
− D F (q) = 1, −→ D F (q) = (2.6)
~2 q2
The singularity at q 2 → 0 is eliminated by adding a small imaginary constant
−~2
DF (q) = (2.7)
q 2 + i
where is an infinesimal small quantity. The the Green function in the position representation
is written as
−~2 − i q(x−y)
Z
1 4
DF (x − y) = d q e ~ . (2.8)
(2π~)4 q 2 + i
9
10 CHAPTER 2. THE PHOTON PROPAGATOR
Using the propagator DF , a solution of the Maxwell equation (2.1) can be written as
Z
µ 1
A (x) = 2 d4 yDF (x − y)J µ (y) (2.9)
c 0
or
−~2 − i q(x−y) µ
Z Z
µ 1 4 1
A (x) = 2 d y d4 q e ~ J (y). (2.10)
c 0 (2π~)4 q 2 + i
Chapter 3
Traces of γ matrices, sums over

electrons spins
3.1 Properties of γ matrices

We define â = γµ aµ with γµ the Dirac γ matrices and γ5 = iγ 0 γ 1 γ 2 γ 3 with the properties
γ52 = I, {γ5 , γµ } = 0.
Theorem 1
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 } = 0 (3.1)
Proof:
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 } = T r â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 γ52 = T r {γ5 â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 γ5 }

(3.2)
We use the anticommutation property of γ5 with all γ matrices, γ5 â = −âγ5 , i.e.
T r {γ5 â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 γ5 } = (−1)2n+1 T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 γ5 γ5 } = (−1)2n+1 T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 }
(3.3)
or
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 } = (−1)2n+1 T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n+1 } = 0 (3.4)
Theorem 2
T r {â1 â2 } = 4(a1 · a2 ) (3.5)
Proof:
1 1
T r {â1 â2 } = T r {â2 â1 } = T r {â1 â2 + â2 â1 } = T r {2I(a1 · a2 )} = 4(a1 · a2 ) (3.6)
2 2
Theorem 3
T r {â1 â2 â3 â3 } = 4 [(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) + (a1 · a4 )(a2 · a3 ) − (a1 · a3 )(a2 · a4 )] (3.7)
11
12 CHAPTER 3. TRACES OF γ MATRICES, SUMS OVER ELECTRONS SPINS
Proof: We use the anticommutation properties; the goal of the calculation is to move the first
matrix (â1 ) at the end of the expression under the T r (after â4 ) and then to bring it in the
original position by a circular permutation which leaves the trace unchanged.
T r {â1 â2 â3 â4 } = T r {(2a1 · a2 − â2 â1 )â3 â4 } = 2(a1 · a2 )T r {â3 â4 } − T r {â2 â1 â3 â4 } (3.8)
= 8(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) − T r {â2 (2a1 · a3 − â3 â1 )â4 }
= 8(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) − 2(a1 · a3 )T r {â2 â4 } + T r {â2 â3 â1 â4 } =
= 8[(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) − (a1 · a3 )(a2 · a4 )] + T r {â2 â3 (2a1 · a4 − â4 â1 )} =
= 8 [(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) + (a1 · a4 )(a2 · a3 ) − (a1 · a3 )(a2 · a4 )] − T r {â2 â3 â4 â1 } =
= 8 [(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) + (a1 · a4 )(a2 · a3 ) − (a1 · a3 )(a2 · a4 )] − T r {â1 â2 â3 â4 }
i.e.
T r {â1 â2 â3 â3 } = 4 [(a1 · a2 )(a3 · a4 ) + (a1 · a4 )(a2 · a3 ) − (a1 · a3 )(a2 · a4 )] (3.9)
Theorem 4 X
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = σP (ai1 · ai2 ) . . . (ai2n−1 · ai2n ) (3.10)
P
where P is a permutation of the set (1, 2, . . . , 2n) and σP is the sign of the permutation.
Proof: Using the anticommutation properties the initial trace is reduced to a sum of traces
with less matrices, (as in the previous case)
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = 2a1 · a2 T r {â3 . . . â2n } − 2a1 · a3 T r {â2 â4 . . . â2n } + . . . − (3.11)
− T r {â2 â3 . . . â2n a1 }
i.e.
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = a1 · a2 T r {â3 . . . â2n } − a1 · a3 T r {â2 â4 . . . â2n } + . . . . (3.12)
By successive application of the previous method one obtains the desired result.
Theorem 5
T r{γ5 } = 0 (3.13)
Proof: We define the four-vectors n(0) = (1, 0, 0, 0), n(1) = (0, −1, 0, 0), n(2) = (0, 0, −1, 0),
n(3) = (0, 0, 0, −1), and we write γ5 as
γ5 = in̂(0) n̂(1) n̂(2) n̂(3) (3.14)
and
T r{γ5 } = iT r{n̂(0) n̂(1) n̂(2) n̂(3) } = (3.15)

h i
= 4 (n(0) · n(1) )(n(2) · n(3) ) − (n(0) · n(2) )(n(1) · n(3) ) + (n(0) · n(3) )(n(2) · n(3) )
= 0
as the 4 vectors n(µ) are orthogonal.
Theorem 6
T r{γ5 â1 â2 } = 0 (3.16)
3.1. PROPERTIES OF γ MATRICES 13
Proof:
T r{γ5 â1 â2 } = aµ1 aν2 T r{γ5 γµ γν } (3.17)
Calculation of γ5 γµ γν : if µ = ν we use γµ2 ∼ 1 and γ5 γµ γν ∼ γ5 and it gives no contribution to
the results because T r{γ5 } = 0. For µ 6= ν we choose a λ 6= µ, ν and write
T r{γ5 γµ γν } = T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } (3.18)
without summation over λ. Next, because γλ anticommutes with all the others matrices under
the T r. performing successive commutations we obtain
T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } = −T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } = 0 (3.19)
i.e. the terms with µ 6= ν do not contribute. We obtained the desired result
T r{γ5 â1 â2 } = 0 (3.20)
Theorem 7
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = T r {â2n â2n−1 . . . â1 } (3.21)
Proof: ∃ a matrix C such that C T C = I and CâC T = âT ; then
T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = T r â1 C T Câ2 C T C . . . â2n C T C = T r Câ1 C T Câ2 C T C . . . â2n C T

= T r âT1 âT2 . . . âT2n = T r (â2n â2n−1 . . . â1 )T

= T r {â2n â2n−1 . . . â1 } (3.22)
Theorem 8
γµ âγ µ = −2â (3.23)
Proof:
γµ âγ µ = aν γµ γν γ µ = aν (2gµν − γν γµ )γ µ = 2â − 4â = −2â (3.24)
Theorem 9
γµ â1 â2 γ µ = 4(a1 · a2 ) (3.25)
Proof:
γµ â1 â2 γ µ = aν1 γµ γν â2 γ µ = aν1 (2gµν − γν γµ )â2 γ µ = 2â2 â1 + 2â1 â2 = 4a1 · a2 (3.26)
Theorem 10
γµ â1 â2 â3 γ µ = −2â3 â2 â1 (3.27)
Proof:
γµ â1 â2 â3 γ µ = aν1 γµ γν â2 â3 γ µ = aν1 (2gµν − γν γµ )â2 â3 γ µ (3.28)
= 2â2 â3 â1 − 4â1 (a2 · a3 ) = 2â2 â3 â1 − 2(â2 â3 + â3 â2 )â1 =
= −2â3 â2 â1 (3.29)
Theorem 11
γµ â1 â2 â3 â4 γ µ = 2â2 â3 â4 â1 + 2â1 â4 â3 â2 (3.30)
Proof:
γµ â1 â2 â3 â4 γ µ = aν1 γµ γν â2 â3 â4 γ µ = aν1 (2gµν − γν γµ )â2 â3 â4 γ µ (3.31)
= 2â2 â3 â4 â1 + 2â1 â4 â3 â2
3.2 Calculation of sums over electrons spins

The typical form of the sum over initial and final electron spins of the transition probability
X
ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ) 2 (3.32)
i,j=1,2
where Q is a 4 × 4 matrix, p1 and p2 are the initial, respectively final electron momenta. We use
the identities:
ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ) (ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ))∗
X X
ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ) 2 = (3.33)
i,j=1,2 i,j=1,2
∗
u†i (p2 )γ 0 Quj (p1 ) u†i (p2 )γ 0 Quj (p1 )
X
=
i,j=1,2
u†i (p2 )γ 0 Quj (p1 )u†j (p1 )(γ 0 Q)† ui (p2 )

X
=
i,j=1,2
X
= ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 )ūj (p1 )Q̄ui (p2 )
i,j=1,2
with
Q̄ = γ 0 Q† γ 0 . (3.34)
Next we write the product of matrices explicitly as sums over the indices α, β, γ, δ ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4},
X X X
ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ) 2 = [ūi (p2 )]α Qαβ [uj (p1 )]β [ūj (p1 )]γ Q̄γδ [ui (p2 )]δ
i,j=1,2 i,j=1,2 α,β,γ,δ,=1,2,3,4
X X
= [ui (p2 )]δ [ūi (p2 )]α Qαβ [uj (p1 )]β [ūj (p1 )]γ Q̄γδ
i,j=1,2 α,β,γ,δ,=1,2,3,4
(3.35)
The completeness property of the Dirac spinors:
X p̂ + mc
ui (p)ūi (p) = (3.36)
2mc
i=1,2
leads to

X 2
X p̂2 + mc p̂1 + mc
ūi (p2 )Quj (p1 ) = Qαβ Q̄γδ
2mc δα 2mc βγ
i,j=1,2 α,β,γ,δ,=1,2,3,4

p̂2 + mc p̂1 + mc
= Tr Q Q̄ (3.37)
2mc 2mc
3.2. CALCULATION OF SUMS OVER ELECTRONS SPINS 15
If in the initial or final state are positrons, an analogous calculation leads to

X 2 p̂2 + mc p̂1 − mc
ūi (p2 )Qwj (p1 ) = T r Q Q̄ (3.38)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2

X 2 p̂2 − mc p̂1 + mc
w̄i (p2 )Quj (p1 ) = T r Q Q̄ (3.39)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2

X 2 p̂2 − mc p̂1 − mc
w̄i (p2 )Qwj (p1 ) = T r Q Q̄ . (3.40)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2
Chapter 4
Mott Scattering
Mott scattering: elastic scattering of electrons on a fixed nucleus (positive charge Z|e|)
Ze2 e2
V (r) = − , e20 = (4.1)
4π0 r 4π0
The corresponding four-vector potential is
Ze2 Ze20 0

eA(x) ≡ − 0 , 0 , eÂ(x) = − γ (4.2)
|x|c |x|c
The Feynman diagram
The transition amplitude is

Z
eÂ(x)
Sf i = −i dxΨ̄f (x) Ψi (x) (4.3)
~
17
18 CHAPTER 4. MOTT SCATTERING
with
s
1 i mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e− ~ p1 ·x ui (p1 ) (4.4)
V E1
s
1 i mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e− ~ p2 ·x uj (p2 ) (4.5)
V E2
s s
Ze2 1 mc2 mc2 1
Z
i 1
=i 0 ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 ) dxe− ~ x(p1 −p2 )

Sf i (4.6)
c V E1 E2 ~ |x|
The integral over x0 leads to the energy conservation δ function
Z
dx0 (. . .) = 2π~δ(p02 − p01 ) = 2π~cδ(E1 − E2 ) (4.7)
The integral over x is proportional to the Fourier transform of the Coulomb potential
4π~2
Z
i 1
dxe− ~ x·(p1 −p2 ) = , q = p1 − p2 (4.8)
|x| q2
and the transition amplitude becomes
Ze20 mc2 1
(2π~)2 2 δ(E1 − E2 ) ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )

Sf i = 2i √ (4.9)
V E1 E2 q
The density of final states (we assume periodic conditions in the box of volume V ) is
V dp2
dN = (4.10)
(2π~)3
The transition probability into the elementary volume dN in the phase space is
dp = |Sf i |2 dN (4.11)
and the elementary transition rate

dp
dΓ = (4.12)
T
where T is the total duration of the interaction. The incident flux (incoming current of particles)
is defined as
1 mc2
J = cΨ̄i γΨi = ūi (p1 )γui (p1 ); (4.13)
V E1
for simplicity we shall assume that the incident momentum is directed along Oz; we calculate
Jz . Using the explicit form of the Dirac spinors u we obtain, for i = 1
1
 
E1 + mc2 c|p1 |
0 3
 = p1
ūi (p1 )γ 3 ui (p1 ) = γ0γ3 
 
1 0 E1 +mc2
0 c|p1 | (4.14)
2mc2 
E1 +mc2
 mc
0
19
and
c cp31 v1 v1
Jz =
= , J= (4.15)
V E V V
where v1 is the velocity of the incident electron. This result holds also for arbitrary direction of
the electron.
In order to calculate the square of the δ function we use the Fourier representation of δ:
ZT
1 i T
2
δ (E1 − E2 ) = δ(E1 − E2 ) dte− ~ t(E1 −E2 ) = δ(E1 − E2 ) (4.16)
2π~ 2π~
0
where T is the duration (assumed long) of the interaction.

Using all the previous results we obtain the fully differential cross section of the Mott scat-
tering
dΓ (mc2 )2 1 1
dσ = = 4Z 2 e20 |ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )|2 δ(E1 − E2 )dp2 (4.17)
J E2 c|p|1 c |q|4
The δ function expresses the fact that the energy is conserved, i.e. we can use |p1 | = |p2 |; it is
also convenient to express dp2 in terms of modulus and direction
1
dp2 = p22 dp2 dΩ2 = E2 dE2 p2 dΩ2 . (4.18)
c2
Then we obtain
(mc)2 1
dσ = 4Z 2 e20 |ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )|2 δ(E1 − E2 )dE2 dΩ2 ; (4.19)
|q|4 c2
if the energy of the electron is not detected we must integrate the above formula over E2 . The
integral is directly calculated using the δ function
(mc)2 1
dσ = 4Z 2 e20 |ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )|2 dΩ2 (4.20)
|q|4 c2 |p1 |=|p2 |
If the spin of the final electron is not detected and the initial electrons are not polarized we
must take the average/sum over the initial/final spin indices, using the known formula
1 X
(dσ)unpol = (dσ)pol (4.21)
2
i,j=1.2

X
0 p̂2 + mc 0 p̂1 + mc 0
|ūj (p2 )γ ui (p1 )| = T r γ γ̄ . (4.22)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2
We introduce the four-vector n(0) = (1, 0, 0, 0) such that γ 0 = γ̄ 0 = n̂ and the quantity to be
calculated becomes

X p̂2 + mc (0) p̂1 + mc (0)
|ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )|2 = T r n̂ n̂ = (4.23)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2
1 h (0) (0) (0) (0) 2 (0) (0)
i
= 2(p 2 · n )(p 1 · n ) − 2(p 1 · p2 )(n · n ) + 4(mc) (n · n )
(mc)2
20 CHAPTER 4. MOTT SCATTERING
If we use the notations |p1 | = |p2 | = βE1 /c and θ = ∠(p1 , p2 ) we can write the previous result
as
2
X
0 2 1 E1 2 2 2 2 2 θ
|ūj (p2 )γ ui (p1 )| = + p1 cos θ + (mc) = 1 − β sin (4.24)
(mc)2 c2 1 − β2 2
i,j=1,2
and the final result is

dσ 1 Ze20 1 − β 2 sin2 2θ
= (4.25)
dΩ2 4 c2 |p1 |2 β 2 sin4 2θ
where we have also used the identity
θ
q2 = |p1 − p2 |2 = 4p21 sin2 (4.26)
2
In the nonrelativistic limit β 1 the angular cross section reduces to the Rutherford formula
dσ 1 Ze20 1
= 2 2 θ
(4.27)
dΩ2 4 (mv ) sin4 2
If we calculate the cross section for positron scattering, the calculation is identical, except
that we must replace the electronic spinors ui.j (p1,2 ) by positronic ones wi.j (p1,2 ), i.e.
s
1 i mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e ~ p1 ·x wi (p1 ) (4.28)
V E1
s
1 i p2 ·x mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e ~ wj (p2 ) (4.29)
V E2
The only difference appears in the calculation of the trace for sum over initial/final spins

X p̂2 + mc (0) p̂1 + mc (0)
|ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 )|2 = T r n̂ n̂ (4.30)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2
must be replaced by

X
0 2 p̂2 − mc (0) p̂1 − mc (0)
|w̄j (p2 )γ wi (p1 )| = T r n̂ n̂ ; (4.31)
2mc 2mc
i,j=1,2
however, the result is the same, i.e. the scattering cross section of unpolarized positrons is
the same as for the electrons. (N.B. This result is valid only in the lowest order perturbation
theory).
Chapter 5
Electron-proton scattering
We use the same expression of the transition amplitude as in the case of Mott scattering,
but we replace A (the vector potential of the field generated by the fixed nucleus) the vector
potential associated with the moving proton. The diagram of the process is
and the transition amplitude is

Z
eÂ(x)
Sf i = −i dxΨ̄f (x) Ψi (x) (5.1)
~
with
s
1 i mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e− ~ p1 ·x ui (p1 ) (5.2)
V E1
s
1 i mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e− ~ p2 ·x uj (p2 ) (5.3)
V E2
21
22 CHAPTER 5. ELECTRON-PROTON SCATTERING
and, unlike in the case of Mott scattering,
−~2 − i q(x−y) µ
Z Z
µ 1 4 1 4
A (x) = 2 d y d q e ~ J (y). (5.4)
c 0 (2π~)4 q 2 + i
Here we replace J by the current of a Dirac particle of mass M and charge ep = −e > 0
(transition current)
s
(P ) (P ) ec (M c2 )2 − i x·(P1 −P2 )
J µ = −ecΨ̄f γ µ Ψi = − e ~ ūr (P2 )γ µ us (P1 ) (5.5)
V E (P ) E (P )
1 2
where P1,2 are the initial/final proton momenta and s, r the initial/final proton spin indices.
With these the transition amplitude becomes
s s
ie2 1 (M c2 )2 (mc2 )2 −~2 c µ
h
(P ) (P )
i
Sf i = [ūj (p 2 )γ u i (p 1 )] ūr (P 2 )γ µ us (P 1 ) × (5.6)
0 ~ V 2 E (P ) E (P ) E1 E2 (2π~)4
1 2
Z Z Z
i i i 1
d x d y d4 qe− ~ (p1 −p2 )·y e− ~ (P1 −P2 )·x e− ~ (x−y)·q 2
4 4
q + i
The integrals over x and y in the previous equation can be calculated directly, leading to δ
functions:
Z Z
4 4
d x(. . .) = (2π~) δ(P1 − P2 + q), d4 y(. . .) = (2π~)4 δ(p1 − p2 − q); (5.7)
one of the two delta function is absorbed in the integral over q and the final result is
s s
ie2 ~ (M c2 )2 (mc2 )2 1
Sf i = −
V c0 E (P ) E (P ) E1 E2 q 2 + i
1 2 q=p1 −p2
h i
µ (P ) (P )
[ūj (p2 )γ ui (p1 )] ūr (P2 )γµ us (P1 ) δ(p1 + P1 − p2 − P2 ) (5.8)
We use the notation

4πe20 igµν h i
M = [ūj (p2 )γ µ ui (p1 )] ū(P )
(P2 )γ ν (P )
u (P 1 ) (5.9)
(p1 − p2 )2 + i r s
e2
with e20 = 4π0 , and the transition amplitude becomes
s s
~ (M c2 )2 (mc2 )2 1 1
Sf i = − (2π~)4 |M|2 δ(p1 + P1 − p2 − P2 ). (5.10)
c (P )
E1 E2
(P ) E1 E2 q 2 + i V 2
For calculating the differential cross section we will work in the rest frame of the proton.
Then the incident current is the same as for Mott scattering
1 c2 |p1 |
J= ; (5.11)
V E1
23
for calculating the square of the δ function we use
ZT Z
1 i i VT
2 2
δ (E)δ (P) = δ(E)δ(P) dt dre− ~ Et e− ~ P·r = δ(E)δ(P) (5.12)
(2π~)4 (2π~)4
0 V
and the density of final states

V dp2 V dP2
dN = . (5.13)
(2π~)3 (2π~)3
With these, the differential cross section is
~2 mc mc2 M c2 |M|2
dσ = δ(p1 + P1 − p2 − P2 )dp2 dP2 . (5.14)
c2 |p1 | E2 E (P ) (2π~)2
2
For the moment we keep the formal notation M but at the end of the calculation we shall replace
it by the corresponding form averaged/summed over initial/final spins of the electron and proton.
If the final proton is not detected we integrate the previous expression over P2 using three
of the four δ functions, and the result is
~2 mc mc2 M c2 |M|2 (P ) E2 dE2

dσ = cδ(E1 + M c2 − E2 − E2 )|p2 | dΩp2 (5.15)
c2 |p1 | E2 E (P ) (2π~)2 c2
2 cons
In the equation above the index cons means that everywhere in the expression we must use the
conservation law P2 = p1 − p2 (note that in the rest frame of the proton P1 = 0 and also
(P )
E1 = M c2 which explains the argument of the δ function).
In order to calculate the angular distribution of the electron, we integrate over the unobserved
energy E2 taking into account that the argument of the δ function has a complicated dependence
on E2 , through the conservation law mentioned before. We use the identity
δ(E2 − E20 )
δ(f (E2 )) = ∂f (E2 )
(5.16)
∂E2
where E20 is the solution of the equation f (E2 ) = 0. The expression of f is

p
f (E2 ) = E1 + M c2 − E2 − c (M c)2 + (p1 − p2 )2 =
q
E1 + M c2 − E2 − c (M c)2 + p21 + p22 − 2|p||p2 | cos θp2 (5.17)
pOz is along p1 . In the previous equation we must use the

in a reference frame chosen such that
relation between p2 and E2 : E2 = c (mc)2 + p22 . By direct calculation we obtain
2M c2

∂f (E2 ) E2 |p1 | cos θp2 1
q
=− + , |p2 | = E22 − (mc2 )2 .
E2 E1 + M c2 − E2 E1 + M c2 − E2 |p2 | c
(5.18)
For finding the solution of the equation f (E2 ) = 0 we start from the general four-momentum
conservation law
p1 + P1 = p2 + P2 (5.19)
whose square is
p21 + 2p1 · P1 + P12 = p22 + 2p2 · P2 + P22 , −→ p1 · P1 = p2 · P2 = p2 · (p1 + P1 − p2 ) (5.20)
which transforms into an equation for E2

r
2 2 2 2 E2
E2 (M c + E1 ) − (mc ) − M c E1 = c|p1 | − (mc)2 cos θp2 (5.21)
c2
For each θp2 the above equation has at most two solutions, from which are acceptable those real
and positive. We also note that in the limit M → ∞ the solution becomes E2 = E1 , i.e. we find
the Mott conservation law.
Finally, the angular differential cross section of the electron becomes
dσ ~2 (mc)2 |p2 | M c2
= 2 |M|2 (5.22)
dΩp2 c (2π~)2 |p1 | E1 + M c2 + E2 |p1 | cos θp2
|p2 | cons
where cons means that everywhere in the above equation the following rules must be observed
• E2 = E20 solution of the equation (5.21)

p
• |p2 | = 1c E22 − (mc2 )2
• P2 = p1 + P1 − p2 (as a four-vector)
• if the equation f (E2 ) has two solutions one must take the sum of both contributions.
Finally, the last thing to do is to replace |M|2 by corresponding expression averaged/summed

over the initial and final spins, i.e.
1 XX
|M|2 −→ |M|2 (5.23)
4 r,s
i,j
We start from the expression of M written in the simplified form

h i
M = a [ūj (p2 )γ µ ui (p1 )] ū(P
r
)
(P )γ u
2 µ s
(P )
(P 1 ) (5.24)
with a a complex number. Then
1 XX 1 XX h i
|M|2 = |a|2 [ūj (p2 )γ µ ui (p1 )] ū(P ) (P )
r (P2 )γµ us (P1 ) × (5.25)
4 4
i,j r,s i,j r,s
h i
[ūi (p1 )γ α uj (p2 )] ū(P ) (P )
s (P1 )γα ur (P2 ) =
1X
= |a|2 [ūj (p2 )γ µ ui (p1 )] [ūi (p1 )γ α uj (p2 )] ×
2
i,j
1 X h ih i
ū(P ) (P )
r (P2 )γµ us (P1 ) ū(P ) (P )
s (P1 )γα ur (P2 ) (5.26)
2 r,s
25
Each of the previous sums is calculated as a trace, using

X
µ α p̂2 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α
[ūj (p2 )γ ui (p1 )] [ūi (p1 )γ uj (p2 )] = T r γ γ (5.27)
2mc 2mc
i,j
( )
Xh ih i P̂2 + mc P̂1 + mc
ū(P ) (P )
r (P2 )γµ us (P1 ) ū(P ) (P )
s (P1 )γα ur (P2 ) = Tr γµ γα (5.28)
r,s
2mc 2mc
Each trace is calculated as in the case of Mott scattering and the final result is
1 XX e20 (4π)2 1 1
|M|2 = 2
4 × (5.29)
4 r,s
q 4(mc) 4(M c)2
2
i,j
[pµ2 pα1 + pµ1 pα2 − (p1 · p2 )g αµ ] [P2µ P1α + P1µ P2α − (P1 · P2 )gαµ ]
e20 (4π)2 (p1 · P1 )(p2 · P2 ) + (p1 · P2 )(p2 · P1 ) − (p1 · p2 )(M c)2 − (P1 · P2 )(mc)2 + 2(mc)2 (M c)2
=
2q 2 (mc)2 (M c)2
In the rest frame of the incident proton the previous expression becomes
1 XX e20 (4π)2 2M 2 E1 E2 − p1 · p2 [(M c)2 + M (E2 − E1 ) − (mc)2 (M c)2 ]

|M|2 =
4 r,s
2q 2 (mc)2 (M c)2
i,j
In the limit of very heavy nucleus (M m) the conservation laws reduce to E1 = E2 ,

q2 = −q2 and the differential cross section becomes
dσ e4 1 p0 p0 + p1 · p2 + (mc)2
= 4 2 1 2 (5.30)
dΩp2 q c (mc)2
i.e. we have reobtained the Mott cross section.

Chapter 6
e− − e− scattering (Möller scattering)
Calculation similar with electron-proton scattering, but we take into account that now we
have identical particles. In this case there are two diagrams
The contribution of each diagram is identical with that from the electron-proton scattering, with
the − sign between them (antisymmetric with respect to exchange of particles).
s s
~ (mc2 )2 (mc2 )2 1
Sf i = − (2π~)4 δ(p1 + p2 − p01 − p02 )M (6.1)
c E1 E2 E10 E20 V 2
4πigµν
ūj1 (p01 )(−ie0 γ µ )ui1 (p1 ) 0 ν

M = 0 ūj 2 (p 2 )(−ie 0 γ )ui 2 (p 2 ) (6.2)
(p1 − p1 )2 + i
4πigµν
− ūj2 (p02 )(−ie0 γ µ )ui1 (p1 ) ūj1 (p01 )(−ie0 γ ν )ui2 (p2 )

0 2
(p1 − p2 ) + i
27
28 CHAPTER 6. E − − E − SCATTERING (MÖLLER SCATTERING)
We calculate in the center of mass frame;
E1 = E2 = E10 = E20 ≡ E, |p1 | = |p2 | = |p01 | = |p02 | = |p| (6.3)
2c2 p
|vrel | = |v1 − v2 | = = 2βc (6.4)
E
The differential cross section
~2 (mc2 )4 1 1
dσ = 2 4 2
δ(p1 + p2 − p01 − p02 )|M|2 dp01 dp02 (6.5)
c E (2π~) 2β
If only one of the electrons is detected we integrate over p2 . Conservation laws are already
determined (6.3) in the CM reference frame. If the electron energy is not observed integrate also
over E1 . Final result
1 (mc2 )4 1 |p|E
dσ = |M|2 dΩp1 (6.6)
(4π)2 E 4 β c3
Summation over spins: write M as
M = T1 − T2 (6.7)
with
T1 = a ūj1 (p01 )γ µ ui1 (p1 ) ūj2 (p02 )γµ ui2 (p2 )

(6.8)
T2 = b ūj2 (p02 )γ µ ui1 (p1 ) ūj1 (p01 )γµ ui2 (p2 )

(6.9)
and a, b numbers. We calculate
X X X
|M|2 = |T1 + T2 |2 = (|T1 |2 + |T2 |2 + 2Re(T1∗ T2 )) (6.10)
i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2 i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2 i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2
One notices that T1 ↔ T2 when p01 ↔ p02 , so we need to calculate only the contribution of |T1 |2
and T1 T2∗ . |T1 |2 was calculated in the case of electron-proton scattering;
X X
T1 T2∗ = ab∗ ūj1 (p01 )γ µ ui (p1 ) ūj2 (p02 )γµ ui2 (p2 ) ×

(6.11)
i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2 i1 ,j1 ,i2 ,j2
ūi1 (p1 )γ α uj2 (p02 ) ūi2 (p2 )γα uj1 (p01 ) =

0
p̂1 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α p̂02 + mc p̂2 + mc

∗
= ab T r γ γ γµ γα (6.12)
2mc 2mc 2mc 2mc
The total result is
0 0
X
2 2 2 p̂1 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α p̂2 + mc p̂2 + mc 1
|M| = e0 4π T r γ γ Tr γµ γα
2mc 2mc 2mc 2mc (p1 − p01 )4
i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2
0
p̂1 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α p̂02 + mc p̂2 + mc

1
− Tr γ γ γµ γα
2mc 2mc 2mc 2mc (p1 − p01 )2 (p2 − p02 )2
+ (p01 ↔ p02 ) (6.13)
29
The calculation is simpler in the ultrarelativistic approximation |p| mc, p̂ + mc ≈ p̂, β ≈ 1.

With θ = ∠(p01 , p1 )
θ
(p1 − p01 )2 ≈ −4E 2 /c2 sin2 , (6.14)
2
θ
(p1 − p02 )2 ≈ = −4E 2 /c2 cos2 (6.15)
2
p01 · p02 = p1 · p2 = 2E 2 /c2 (6.16)
θ
p01 · p2 = p1 · p02 = 2E 2 /c2 cos2 (6.17)
2
θ
p02 · p2 = p1 · p01 = 2E 2 /c2 sin2 (6.18)
2
and " #
θ θ
dσ e4 1 + cos4 2 1 + sin4 2 2
= + + (6.19)
dΩp01 8E 2 sin4 θ
2 cos4 θ
2
θ
cos 2 sin2
2 θ
2
Sum of three terms: direct, exchange, interference.

30 CHAPTER 6. E − − E − SCATTERING (MÖLLER SCATTERING)
Chapter 7
e− − e+ scattering
Calculation similar with electron-electron scattering; the only difference: replace an electron
by a positron, i.e.
ui (p) → w(p, i), p2 → −p02 , p02 → −p2 (7.1)
and change an overall sign in the transition amplitude.
The transition amplitude

s s
~ (mc2 )2 (mc2 )2 1
Sf i = (2π~)4 δ(p1 + p2 − p01 − p02 )M (7.2)
c E1 E2 E10 E20 V 2
4πigµν
ūj1 (p01 )(−ie0 γ µ )ui1 (p1 ) ν 0

M = 0 w̄ i 2 (p2 )(−ie0 γ )w j 2 (p 2 ) (7.3)
(p1 − p1 )2 + i
4πigµν
− [w̄i2 (p2 )(−ie0 γ µ )ui1 (p1 )] ūj1 (p01 )(−ie0 γ ν )wj2 (p02 )

0 2
(p1 − p2 ) + i
31
32 CHAPTER 7. E − − E + SCATTERING
Calculation identical, with the only difference in summation over spins (an electron replaced by
a paositron)
0 0
X p̂1 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α p̂2 − mc p̂2 − mc 1
|M|2 = e20 4π 2 T r γ γ Tr γµ γα
2mc 2mc 2mc 2mc (p1 − p01 )4
i1 ,i2 ,j1 ,j2
0
p̂1 + mc µ p̂1 + mc α p̂02 − mc p̂2 − mc

1
− Tr γ γ γµ γα
2mc 2mc 2mc 2mc (p1 − p01 )2 (p2 − p02 )2
+ (p01 ↔ p02 ) (7.4)
The calculation is simpler in the ultrarelativistic approximation |p| mc, p̂ + mc ≈ p̂, β ≈ 1.

With θ = ∠(p01 , p1 )
θ
(p1 − p01 )2 ≈ −4E 2 /c2 sin2 , (7.5)
2
(p1 + p2 )2 ≈ = 4E 2 /c2 (7.6)
p01 · p02 = p1 · p2 = 2E /c 2 2
(7.7)
θ
p01 · p2 = p1 · p02 = 2E 2 /c2 cos2 (7.8)
2
2 θ
p02 · p2 0 2 2
= p1 · p1 = 2E /c sin (7.9)
2
and " #
θ
dσ e4 1 + cos4 4 θ θ cos4 θ
= 2
+ cos + sin4 − 2 2 θ2 (7.10)
dΩp01 8E 2 sin4 θ
2
2 2 sin 2
Chapter 8
Bremsstrahlung
The free electron can not spontaneously emit radiation, as the process is forbidden by the
conservation rules. For proof, let us assume that in the initial electron rest frame, (the initial
electron momentum is p1 = (mc, 0)) we denote by p2 = (E2 /c, p2 ) and ~k2 = (~|k2 |, k2 ) the
momenta of the final electron and emitted photon. Then the energy conservation law requires
that mc2 = E2 + ~ω2 and p2 + ~k2 = 0, i.e.
q
mc2 = ~ω2 + (mc2 )2 + ~ω22 . (8.1)
From the previous equation we obtain ω2 = 0 i.e.the emission of radiation by a free electron is
not possible.
Bremsstrahlung is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by a charged particle accelerated
in the field of a fixed nucleus. There are two diagrams
33
34 CHAPTER 8. BREMSSTRAHLUNG
The transition amplitude, sum of the two contributions is

Z "
eÂ(k, x2 ) eÂC (x1 )
Sf i = −i dx1 dx2 Ψ̄f (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) +
~ ~
#
eÂC (x2 ) eÂ(k, x1 )
SF (x2 − x1 ) Ψi (x) (8.2)
~ ~
Z
dp − i p·(x−y) p̂ + mc
SF (x1 − x2 ) = ~ e ~ (8.3)
(2π~)4 p2 − (mc)2 + i
r
~ ∗ ik·x
A(k, x) = e + e−ik·x , ∗ · = −1, · k = 0 (8.4)
20 ωV
s
1 − i p1 ·x mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e ~ ui (p1 ) (8.5)
V E1
s
1 i mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e− ~ p2 ·x uj (p2 ) (8.6)
V E2
Ze2
Z
dq 1 − i q·x
eAC (x) = − 0 , 0 = 4π~2 e ~ , q ≡ (0, q) (8.7)
|x|c (2π~)2 q 2
r s
2π~ −Ze20 (mc2 )2
Sf i = 4πie0 ~ × (8.8)
ωV c E1 E2
Z Z Z Z
dp dq i i 1
dx1 dx2 4 3
e ~ (p2 −p)·x e− ~ (p1 −p)·y 2
(2π~) (2π~) q
p̂ + mc i
ūj (p2 ) ˆ eik·x + e−ik·x 2 γ 0 e− ~ q·y
p − (mc)2 + i
p̂ + mc
0 − ~i q·x ik·y −ik·y
γ e ˆ e +e ui (p1 )
p2 − (mc)2 + i
We want to describe the emission of the photon of four-momentum k; we keep only the terms
which lead to the corresponding conservation law, expressed by δ(E1 − E2 − ~ω) (underlined in
the previous equation). Next the integrals over x and y lead to two 4-dimensional delta functions.
They are used to calculate the 4-dimensional integral over p and the three dimensional integral
over q, so that we are left with only one δ function:
• first term of the transition amplitude: δ(p2 − p + ~k)δ(p1 − p + q), −→ p = p2 + ~k = p1 + q
and the result is proportional to δ(E1 − E2 − ~ω)
• second term of the transition amplitude: δ(p2 −p−q))δ(p1 −p−~k), −→ p = p2 −q = p1 −~k

and the result is proportional to δ(E1 − E2 − ~ω)
With these we obtain
r s
2π~ 1 (mc2 )2 4π
Sf i = i~Ze30 (2π~)δ(E2 − E1 − ~ω)M (8.9)
ωV V E1 E2 q2
35
where
" #
p̂2 + ~k̂ + mc 0 0 p̂1 − ~k̂ + mc
M = ūj (p2 ) ˆ γ +γ ˆ ui (p1 ) (8.10)
(p2 + ~k)2 − (mc)2 (p1 − ~k)2 − (mc)2
" #
ˆ + mc
p̂2 + ~k 0 0 p̂1 − ~k̂ + mc
= ūj (p2 ) ˆ γ +γ ˆ ui (p1 )
2p2 · ~k −2p1 · ~k1
The expression of M is simpler in the approximation ~|k| << mc) (soft photon approximation).
In this case we can neglect the term ~k̂ at the numerators. Using also the identities
ui (p1 ) = 2( · p1 )ui (p1 ),

(p̂1 + (mc))ˆ (p̂2 + (mc)) = 2( · p2 )ūj (p2 )
ūi (p2 )ˆ (8.11)
M can be written in the very simple form

· p2 · p1
M= − ūj (p2 )γ 0 ui (p1 ) (8.12)
~k · p2 ~k · p1
Using the known expressions for the incident current, the final density of states and the square
of a δ function
1 c2 |p1 |
J= ; (8.13)
V E1
V dp2 V dk
dN = . (8.14)
(2π~)3 (2π)3
T
δ 2 (E) = δ(E) (8.15)
(2π~)
we obtain the differential cross section
(mc2 )2 1 (4π)2 dp2 dk
dσ = ~2 Z 2 e60 (2π~)2 2
|M|2 δ(E2 − E1 + ~ω) . (8.16)
E1 E2 |v1 |ω q (2π~)3 (2π)3
The differential cross section can be integrated over E2 , if we study the process in which the
final electron energy is not observed; since E2 must be at least equal to the rest energy of the
electron, this results in a maximum possible value of ω:
E1 − ~ω ≥ mc2 , −→ ~ω ≤ E1 − mc2 (8.17)
After integrating over E2 one obtains, in the soft photon approximation |p1 | = |p2 |
Z 2 e60 (mc)2 1
dσ = ~ω|M|2 θ(Ei − mc2 − ~ω)dΩk dωdΩp2 (8.18)
π 2 |q|4 c5
Using the result obtained for the angular differential cross section of the Mott scattering we can
write the previous expression as
2
dσM ott e20 ~ω

dσ · p2 · p1
= − θ(Ei − mc2 − ~ω) (8.19)
dΩp2 dΩk dω dΩp2 (2π)2 c3 ~k · p2 ~k · p1
36 CHAPTER 8. BREMSSTRAHLUNG
Summation over photon polarization: calculate

X · p2 · p1 2
X p2 p1
− = ( · q)2 , q= − (8.20)
= ,
~k · p2 ~k · p 1 = ,
~k · p2 ~k · p1
1 2 1 2
We work in a reference frame where k = (|k|, 0, 0, |k|). Because q · k = 0 it follows that in this
reference frame q 0 = q 3 . With the choice
1 = (0, 1, 0, 0), 2 = (0, 0, 1, 0) (8.21)
we have 2
X
2 p2 p1
( · q) = q12 + q22 = −(q · q) = − (8.22)
=1 ,2
~k · p2 ~k · p1
Chapter 9
Compton Scattering
A free electron absorbs a photon of momentum k1 and emits another photon of momentum
k2 ; the initial and final electron momenta are denoted by p1 and, respectively, p2 .
The two diagrams are represented below
The transition amplitude is formally identical with the amplitude for the Bremsstrahlung
effect, but the four-potential of the Coulomb field must be replaced by the vector potential of a
photon.
Z "
eÂ(k2 , x2 ) eÂ(k1 , x1 )
Sf i = −i dx1 dx2 Ψ̄f (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) +
~ ~
#
eÂ(k1 , x2 ) eÂ(k2 , x1 )
SF (x2 − x1 ) Ψi (x) (9.1)
~ ~
37
38 CHAPTER 9. COMPTON SCATTERING
with
Z
SF (x1 − x2 ) = ~ e ~ (9.2)
(2π~)4 p2 − (mc)2 + i
r
~ ∗ ik·x
A(k, x) = e + e−ik·x , ∗ · = −1, ·k =0 (9.3)
20 ωV
s
1 − i p1 ·x mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e ~ ui (p1 ) (9.4)
V E1
s
1 − i p2 ·x mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e ~ uj (p2 ) (9.5)
V E2
We study the absorption of the photon of momentum k1 and emission of the photon of
momentum k2 ; then in A(k1 , x) we retain only the term ∼ exp(−ik1 · x) and in A(k2 , x) we
retain only the term ∼ exp(ik2 · x); this choice will lead to the conservation law expressed by the
delta function δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 ). We assume real polarization vectors 1 and 2 .
The transition amplitude
s s
ie2 ~2 1 (mc2 )2 ~
Sf i = − × (9.6)
~ 420 V 2 ω1 ω2 V E1 E2 (2π~)4
Z Z Z
i i p̂ + mc
dx1 dx2 dpe ~ (p2 +~k2 −p)·x e− ~ (p1 +~k1 −p)·x ūj (p2 )ˆ2 2 ˆ1 ui (p1 )+
p − (mc)2 + i
Z Z Z
i
(p2 −~k1 −p)·x − ~i (p1 −~k2 −p)·x p̂ + mc
dx1 dx2 dpe ~ e ūj (p2 )ˆ1 2 ˆ2 ui (p1 ) .
p − (mc)2 + i
In the expression above the integrals over x1 and x2 lead to δ function, one of them is used to
evaluate the remaining integral over p.
s s
ie2 ~2 1 (mc2 )2
Sf i = − ~(2π~)4 δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 ) × M(f, i) (9.7)
~ 420 V 2 ω1 ω2 V E1 E2
with
M(f, i) = µ2 ν1 Mµν (9.8)
and " #
p̂1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂1 − ~k̂2 + mc
Mµν = ūj (p2 ) γµ γν + γν γµ ui (p1 ) (9.9)
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2
For the calculation of the differential cross section we use the following:
1
• the square of the δ function is calculated as δ 2 (P ) = V cT (2π~) 4 δ(P )
|vrel |
• the incident flux J = V , if we calculate in the reference frame of the incident electron
then vrel = c
V dp2 V dk2
• the density of final states dΓ = (2π~)3 (2π)3
39
the fully differential cross section becomes

e20 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 dp2 dk2
dσ = (2π~)4 δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 )|M(f, i)|2 (9.10)
4ω2 ω1 E1 E2 (2π~)3 (2π)3
2
e
with e20 = 4π 0
.
In order to calculate the photon angular distribution we must integrate over the unobserved
variables (final electron momentum and photon energy); the integration over the electron mo-
mentum leads to
e40 (mc2 )2 ω2
dσ = δ(E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 )|M(f, i)|2 d(~ω2 )dΩk2 (9.11)
c2 E1 E2 ω1 cons
The index cons in the previous equation means that in the everywhere expression of the differ-
ential cross section the final electron momentum p2 must be replaced by the expression given by
the conservation law p2 = p1 + ~k1 − ~k2 . Note that p2 appears in M and also in the argument
of the remaining δ function through E2
p
E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 = ~ω2 + (mc2 )2 + c2 (p1 + ~k1 − ~k2 )2 − E1 − ~ω1 ≡ f (~ω2 ) (9.12)
If we want to integrate over the unobserved final photon energy ~ω2 we must use the rule for
transformation of the δ function
δ(~ω2 − ~ω20 )
δ(f (~ω2 )) = ∂f (~ω2 )
(9.13)
∂~ω2
where ~ω20 is the solution of the equation f (~ω2 ) = 0. f in the reference frame of the incident
electron is
p
f (~ω2 ) = ~ω2 + (mc2 )2 + (~ω1 )2 + (~ω1 )2 − 2~ω1 ~ω2 cos Θ − ~ω1 − mc2 , (9.14)
∂f (~ω2 ) ~ω2 − ~ω1 cos Θ mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos Θ)

=1+ = (9.15)
∂~ω2 E2 E2
with Θ = ∠(k1 , k2 ). If we take the Oz axis of the reference frame along k1 then Θ is just the
polar angle θk2 of the emitted photon. Next we shall find the solution of the equation f (~ω2 ) = 0:
starting from the conservation law written with four momenta
p1 + ~k1 = p2 + ~k2 (9.16)
and taking the square of the previous equation we obtain
p21 + 2p1 · ~k1 + ~2 k12 = p22 + 2p2 · ~k2 + ~2 k22 , −→ p1 · k1 = (p1 + ~k1 − ~k2 ) · ~k2 (9.17)
and, working in the electron rest frame
mc2 ω1 = ω2 [~ω1 (1 − cos θk2 ) + mc] (9.18)
mc2
ω2 = ω1 . (9.19)
mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos θk2 )
Then the angular differential cross section becomes

2
e4 mc2 ω2

dσ E2 ω2
= 20 |M|2 2 = r02 (mc)2 |M|2 ; (9.20)
dΩk2 c e2 ω1 mc + ~ω1 (1 − cos θ) cons ω1 cons
in the rightmost term of the previous equation we used the relation 1/(mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos θ)) =
ω2 /ω1 and introduced the classical electron radius r0 = e20 /(mc2 ). The index cons means that
every term in the expression of the differential cross section must be expressed in terms of the
only independent variable, the unit vector n2 of the emitted photon momentum.
mc2
ω2 = ω1 , (9.21)
mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos θk2 )
ω2
k2 = n2 , ∠(n2 , k1 ) = θk2 , (9.22)
c
p2 = p1 + ~k1 − ~k2 . (9.23)
Calculation of |M|2 for unpolarized particles, i.e.

• averaged over the initial photon polarization and incident electron spin
• summed over the emitted photon polarization and final electron spin
Sum over electron spins:
" #
p̂1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂1 − ~k̂2 + mc
M = ūj (p2 ) ˆ2 ˆ1 + ˆ1 ˆ2 ui (p1 ); (9.24)
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2
as we will take also the sum over photon polarizations 2 and 1 we can use a particular choice
such that 1 · p1 = 0, 1 · p1 = 0, i.e. we take the photon polarization orthogonal on the initial
electron momentum. Such a choice is always possible; starting from arbitrary polarization vectors
˜1 and ˜2 such that ˜i · ˜i = −1 and ˜i · ki = 0, i = 1, 2 we define
˜i · p1
i = ˜i − ki , i = 1, 2 (9.25)
ki · p1
which obey
i · i = −1, i · ki = 0, i · p1 = 0, i = 1, 2. (9.26)
With this choice the expression of M simplifies
" #
k̂1 k̂2 −p̂1 + mc −p̂1 + mc
M = ūj (p2 ) ˆ2 ˆ1 + ˆ1 ˆ2 + ˆ2 ˆ1 + ˆ1 ˆ2 ui (p1 ), (9.27)
2p1 · k1 2p1 · k2 2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2
or, using (p̂1 − mc)ui (p1 ) = 0 we obtain

" #
k̂1 k̂2
M = ūj (p2 ) ˆ2 ˆ1 + ˆ1 ˆ2 ui (p1 ), (9.28)
2p1 · k1 2p1 · k2
Then
21 p̂2 + mc p̂1 + mc
|M| −→ T r Q Q̄ (9.29)
2 mc mc
41
with
k̂1 k̂2 k̂1 k̂2
Q = ˆ2 ˆ1 + ˆ1 ˆ2 , Q̄ = ˆ1 ˆ2 + ˆ2 ˆ1 (9.30)
2p1 · k1 2p1 · k2 2p1 · k1 2p1 · k2
Using the rules for calculating traces of γ matrices we obtain by direct calculation

1 1 k2 · p1 k1 · p1 2
T r {. . .} = + + 4(2 · 1 ) − 2 (9.31)
2 (2mc)2 k1 · p1 k2 · p1
and the angular differential cross section in the incident electron rest frame becomes
2
r2

dσ ω2 ω2 ω1
= 0 (mc)2 + + 4(1 · 2 )2 − 2 (9.32)
dΩk2 4 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons
which is the Klein-Nishina formula. In order to calculate the sum over photons polarizations, two
possible choices, in agreement with the imposed conditions of orthogonality on p1 are i ≡ (0, i ):
one choice is to take both 1 and 2 in the plane defined by k1 and k2 , such that i · ki = 0 and
1 · 2 = − cos θk2 . The second choice is with 1 = 2 orthogonal on the plane defined by k1 and
k2 and then 1 · 2 = −1. Finally we obtain
2
r2

dσ ω2 ω2 ω1
= 0 + − sin2 θk2 ; (9.33)
dΩk2 2 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons
in the nonrelativistic limit the above formula reduces to the Thomson cross section
dσT h r2
= 0 1 + cos2 θk2

. (9.34)
dΩk2 2 cons
Chapter 10
e− − e+ annihilation
Notations: p− , p+ , s− , s= initial momenta and spins for electron/positron

The two diagrams:
The transition amplitude:
43
44 CHAPTER 10. E − − E + ANNIHILATION
Z "
eÂ(k2 , x2 ) eÂ(k1 , x1 )
Sf i = −i dx1 dx2 Ψ̄+ (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) +
~ ~
#
eÂ(k1 , x2 ) eÂ(k2 , x1 )
SF (x2 − x1 ) Ψ− (x1 ) (10.1)
~ ~
with
Z
SF (x1 − x2 ) = ~ 4
e ~ (10.2)
(2π~) p − (mc)2 + i
2
r
~ ∗ ik·x
A(k, x) = e + e−ik·x , ∗ · = −1, ·k =0 (10.3)
20 ωV
s
1 − i p− ·x mc2
Ψ− (x) = √ e ~ ui (p1 ) (10.4)
V E−
s
1 i p+ ·x mc2
Ψ+ (x) = √ e ~ wj (p2 ) (10.5)
V E+
Selection of the terms kept for the vector potential A(k, x): such that one obtains the conservation
law δ(E− + E+ − ~ω1 − ~ω2 ).
s s
2 ~2 (4π)2 1 (mc2 )2
Sf i = −ie0 ~(2π~)4 δ(p+ − ~k1 + p− − ~k2 ) × M(f, i) (10.6)
V 2 ω1 ω2 V E+ E−
with
M(f, i) = µ2 ν1 Mµν (10.7)
and " #
+~k̂1 −~k̂2
Mµν = w̄j (p+ ) γµ γν + γν γµ ui (p− ) (10.8)
2p− · ~k1 −2p+ · ~k2
Calculation: formally identical with Compton, with differences:

|vrel c2 |p+ |
• J= V = V E+ in the rest frame of the electron
V dk1 V dk2
• dN = (2π)3 (2π)3
The differential cross section:

e20 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 1 c
dσ = δ(p+ + p− − ~k1 − ~k2 )|M(f, i)|2 dk1 dk2 (10.9)
4ω2 ω1 E+ E− (2π~)2 |vrel |
Integrate over k2 :
e40 (mc2 )2 ω1
dσ = δ(E+ + E− + ~ω2 − ~ω1 )|M(f, i)|2 d(~ω1 )dΩk1 (10.10)
c2 E+ E− ω2 cons
45
where cons means ~k2 = p+ + p− − ~k1 . Integral over photon energy: Define
f (~ω1 ) = ~ω1 + ~ω2 − E+ − E− , ~ω2 = c|~k1 − p+ − p− | (10.11)
and, in the rest frame of the electron, with Oz chosen along p+
∂f mc2 + E+ − c|p+ | cos θk1

= (10.12)
∂(~ω1 ) ~ω1
Calculation of the frequency of k1 : starting from
p+ + p− = ~k1 + ~k2 , −→ p+ · ~k1 = p− · ~k2 = p− · (p+ + p− − ~k2 ) (10.13)
i.e.
~k1 · (p+ + p− ) = p− · (p+ + p− ), → (10.14)
and
(mc2 + E+ )mc2
~ω1 = (10.15)
mc2 + E+ − c|p+ | cos θk1
The angular differential cross section:
dσ mc mc2 (mc2 + E+ )
= r02 (mc)2 |M|2 ; (10.16)
dΩk1 |p+ | (E+ + mc2 − c|p+ | cos θk1 )2 cons
Here cons means:

(mc2 +E+ )mc2
• ~ω1 = mc2 +E+ −c|p+ | cos θk1
• |~k1 | = ~ω1
c
• ~k2 = p+ + p− − ~k1
Summation over spins and polarization: performed as for the Compton scattering (the only
difference: one electron is replaced here by a positron). Result:
mc2 (mc2 + E+ )

dσ 1 2 mc ω2 ω1 2
= r0 + + sin θ̃ ; (10.17)
dΩk1 2 |p+ | (E+ + mc2 − c|p+ | cos θk1 )2 ω1 ω2 cons
here θ̃ = ∠(k1 , k2 ). From the conservation laws
~|k2 | |p+ |
= (10.18)
sin θk1 sin θ̃

Quantum Electrodynamics 2012-2013: Dr. Madalina Boca 2013

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Quantum Electrodynamics 2012-2013: Dr. Madalina Boca 2013

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Quantum Electrodynamics 2012-2013

dr. Madalina Boca

1 The Dirac propagator 5

2 The photon propagator 9

3 Traces of γ matrices, sums over electrons spins 11

6 e− − e− scattering (Möller scattering) 27

The Dirac propagator

and rewrite the propagator as

We distinguish two cases:

or, if we define a four vector p on the mass-shell, p = (ζ, p) we can write

Written in compact form, the propagator is

An equivalent form can be written as a superposition of free Dirac solutions

ζ → ζ − i, −ζ → −ζ + i, (1.17)

or, equivalently, we can write the propagator as

The photon propagator

The four-vector potential of the electromagnetic field is a solution of the equation

Traces of γ matrices, sums over

3.1 Properties of γ matrices

We use the anticommutation property of γ5 with all γ matrices, γ5 â = −âγ5 , i.e.

γ5 = in̂(0) n̂(1) n̂(2) n̂(3) (3.14)

T r{γ5 } = iT r{n̂(0) n̂(1) n̂(2) n̂(3) } = (3.15)

as the 4 vectors n(µ) are orthogonal.

T r{γ5 γµ γν } = T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } (3.18)

T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } = −T r{γ5 γµ γλ γλ γν } = 0 (3.19)

T r{γ5 â1 â2 } = 0 (3.20)

T r {â1 â2 . . . â2n } = T r â1 C T Câ2 C T C . . . â2n C T C = T r Câ1 C T Câ2 C T C . . . â2n C T

= T r âT1 âT2 . . . âT2n = T r (â2n â2n−1 . . . â1 )T

= T r {â2n â2n−1 . . . â1 } (3.22)

3.2 Calculation of sums over electrons spins

u†i (p2 )γ 0 Quj (p1 )u†j (p1 )(γ 0 Q)† ui (p2 )

If in the initial or final state are positrons, an analogous calculation leads to

The Feynman diagram

The transition amplitude is

and the transition amplitude becomes

and the elementary transition rate

where T is the duration (assumed long) of the interaction.

and the final result is

and the transition amplitude is

and, unlike in the case of Mott scattering,

We use the notation

for calculating the square of the δ function we use

and the density of final states

~2 mc mc2 M c2 |M|2 (P ) E2 dE2

where E20 is the solution of the equation f (E2 ) = 0. The expression of f is

pOz is along p1 . In the previous equation we must use the

p21 + 2p1 · P1 + P12 = p22 + 2p2 · P2 + P22 , −→ p1 · P1 = p2 · P2 = p2 · (p1 + P1 − p2 ) (5.20)

which transforms into an equation for E2

• E2 = E20 solution of the equation (5.21)

Finally, the last thing to do is to replace |M|2 by corresponding expression averaged/summed

We start from the expression of M written in the simplified form

with a a complex number. Then

Each of the previous sums is calculated as a trace, using

1 XX e20 (4π)2 2M 2 E1 E2 − p1 · p2 [(M c)2 + M (E2 − E1 ) − (mc)2 (M c)2 ]

In the limit of very heavy nucleus (M  m) the conservation laws reduce to E1 = E2 ,

i.e. we have reobtained the Mott cross section.

e− − e− scattering (Möller scattering)

We calculate in the center of mass frame;

E1 = E2 = E10 = E20 ≡ E, |p1 | = |p2 | = |p01 | = |p02 | = |p| (6.3)

Summation over spins: write M as

T2 = b ūj2 (p02 )γ µ ui1 (p1 ) ūj1 (p01 )γµ ui2 (p2 )

The calculation is simpler in the ultrarelativistic approximation |p|  mc, p̂ + mc ≈ p̂, β ≈ 1.

Sum of three terms: direct, exchange, interference.

The transition amplitude

ζ → ζ − i, −ζ → −ζ + i, (1.17)

In the limit of very heavy nucleus (M m) the conservation laws reduce to E1 = E2 ,

The calculation is simpler in the ultrarelativistic approximation |p| mc, p̂ + mc ≈ p̂, β ≈ 1.

The calculation is simpler in the ultrarelativistic approximation |p| mc, p̂ + mc ≈ p̂, β ≈ 1.

ui (p1 ) = 2( · p1 )ui (p1 ),

1 = (0, 1, 0, 0), 2 = (0, 0, 1, 0) (8.21)