Compton scattering of plane-wave and twisted

photons

Student Supervisor
Vasile Alin Sevestrean Associate Professor
Madalina Boca

University of Bucharest, Department of Physics,

June 2019
Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Linear monochromatic Compton Scattering 3

3 Helical photons 13

4 Scattering of helical photons 17

A The free Dirac equation: The non-covariant form 25

A.1 The non-covariant form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
A.2 Planar solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
A.3 Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
A.4 Orthogonality/Completitude relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
A.5 Projectors on subspaces of solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
A.6 Dirac matrices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

i
Chapter 1

Introduction

This thesis presents the theoretical study of the Compton effect both for Plane-Wave
photons and for Twisted photons.
The Compton effect was discovered in the year 1923 by Arthur Holly Compton who
received the Nobel prize in Physics in 1927 for this discovery.
The Compton effect is the scattering of electromagnetic radiation on free electrons.
We consider two particular cases: the Plane-Wave photon and the Twisted photon.

The structure of the thesis is:

• in the first chapter, calculate the transition amplitude and the cross-section for
Compton scattering for Plane-Wave photons, using the second-order time-dependent
perturbation theory, in the framework of relativistic quantum mechanics

• in the second chapter, we present the Twisted photons as a superposition of Plane-

Wave photons disposed upon a cone.

• in the third chapter, we once again use the second order time-dependent perturba-
tion theory, to compute the transition amplitude and the cross-section of a Compton
scattering, but this time for Twisted photons.

• the paper also contains an Appendix A where we have a short presentation of the
Dirac equation and a discussion of the properties of the Dirac matrices

• there is also an Appendix B where we present the code written in Mathematica,

using the Feyncalc package, for computation of sums over electrons spin

The entire computation was done in the International System of units, with the particular
notations: Bold for 4-vectors; Arrow above for spacial vectors and q-the elementary charge
of the electron.

1
Chapter 2

Linear monochromatic Compton

Scattering

In this chapter we present the Plane-Wave Compton scattering as described in [5], [6].
We are looking to obtain the differential cross section for the Linear monochromatic
Compton Scattering. To do so we will use the Time-dependent perturbation theory on
the Dirac equation.

The Dirac equation can also be written as:

∂Ψ
i~ = HΨ
∂t
For a free electron, H is

→
−
H = H0 = c→
−
α · P + βmc2

But in the Compton scattering the electron interacts with an photon which is repre-
sented by an electromagnetic field with the scalar potential φ and the vectorial potential
→
−
A . In this case the the H is:

→
− →
−
H = c→
−
α · ( P − q A ) + βmc2 + qφ

→
−
H = c→
−
α · P + βmc2 + γ0 qcÂ

with
φ → →
−
 = γ0 −−
γ ·A
c
By making the substarction H − H0 we will obtain H interaction:

Hint = γ0 qcÂ

Compton scattering consists in an electron absorbing an photon and emitting another,

which are two interactions, so we will need the Second order time dependent perturbation

3
theory. In the Second order time dependent perturbation theory the transition amplitude
is calculated as follows:

Z
1
Sf i = dx1 dx2 Ψ†f (x2 )Hint SF (x2 − x1 )Hint Ψi (x1 )
i(~c)2
where SF is the free Dirac propagator or the Feynman propagator

Z
dp − i p(x2 −x1 ) p̂ + mc
SF (x2 − x1 ) = ~ 4
e ~
(2π~) p − (mc)2 + iχ
2

and with
r
~
A(k, x) = (ξ ∗ eik·x + ξe−ik·x ), ξ ∗ · ξ = −1, ξ · k = 0
20 ωV

s
1 i mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e− ~ p1 x ui (p1 )
V E1

s
1 i mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e− ~ p2 x uj (p2 )
V E2

The Compton scattering may be described by the next 2 diagrams: in the first, the
electron first ”absorbs” the incident photon and after that, it ”emits” another one; in the
second the electron first ”emits” a photon and after that, it ”absorbs” the incident one.
As can be seen below:

p2
~k1

p1 p1 + ~ k1 p2
p1 − ~ k2
~ k1 ~ k2

p1
~k2
~ k1 and ~ k2 are the 4-momentum of the absorbed photon and the emitted one and
p1 and p2 is the momentum of the electron before the interaction and after it.
By taking into account both types of occurance and replacing the Hint we obtain:

Z 
q Â(k2 , x2 ) q Â(k1 , x1 )
Sf i = −i dx1 dx2 Ψf (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) +
~ ~

q Â(k1 , x2 ) q Â(k2 , x1 )
SF (x2 − x1 ) Ψi (x1 )
~ ~

4
 In in the Compton effect the photon with k1 is absorbed and the one with k2 is emitted,
so from the A(k1 , x) we take only the term that contains e−ik1 ·x and from the A(k2 , x) the
term eik2 ·x . Also we assume ξ1 and ξ2 (the polarization vectors) real. So the transition
amplitude will become:

s s
2
iq ~2 1 (mc2 )2 ~
Sf i = − ×
~2 420 V 2 ω1 ω2 V E1 E2 (2π~)4
Z Z Z
i i p̂ + mc
dx1 dx2 dpe ~ (p2 +~k2 −p)·x2 e ~ (p1 +~k1 −p)·x1 uj (p2 )ξˆ2 2 ξˆ1 ui (p1 )+
p − (mc)2 + iχ
Z Z Z 
i
(p +~k −p)·x i
(p +~k −p)·x ˆ p̂ + mc ˆ
dx1 dx2 dpe ~ 2 1 2
e~ 1 2 1
uj (p2 )ξ1 2 ξ2 ui (p1 )
p − (mc)2 + iχ

We integrate over x1 and x2 which appear only in the exponentials and by doing so
we obtain two delta functions as follows:
s s
iq 2 ~2 1 (mc2 )2
Sf i = − 2 ~(2π~)4 ×
~ 420 V 2 ω1 ω2 V E1 E2
Z
p̂ + mc
dpδ(p2 + ~k2 − p)δ(p1 + ~k1 − p)uj (p2 )ξˆ2 2 ξˆ1 ui (p1 )+
p − (mc)2 + iχ
Z 
ˆ p̂ + mc ˆ
dpδ(p2 + ~k1 − p)δ(p1 + ~k2 − p)uj (p2 )ξ1 2 ξ2 ui (p1 )
p − (mc)2 + iχ

Furthermore by integrating over p we obtain:

s s
iq 2 ~2 1 (mc2 )2
Sf i = − 2 ~(2π~)4 δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 ) × M (f, i)
~ 420 V 2 ω1 ω2 V E1 E2

with

M (f, i) = ξ2µ ξ1ν Mµν

and
 
p̂1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂1 − ~k̂2 + mc
Mµν = uj (p2 ) γµ γν + γν γµ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2

Next we will calculate the differential cross section, which may be defined as:

|Sf i |2 dN
dσ =
T Jinc
with
→
−
V d→
−
p2 Vdk2 c
dN = ; Jinc =
(2π~)3 (2π)3 V

5
 We also use:
1
δ 2 (P ) = V cT δ(P )
(2π~)4
The differential cross section is:
→
− →
−
q04 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 4 2 dp2 dk2
dσ = (2π~) δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 )|M (f, i)|
4ω1 ω2 E1 E2 (2π~)3 (2π)3
q2
with q02 = 4π0

As can be seen in the previous formula of the differential cross section we have a
conservation of the 4-momentum in the Delta-Dirac function, namely:

p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 = 0

And we are going to find how this conservation rule will behave. By using this con-
servation of the 4-momentum we want to obtain the frequency of the emited photon.

p1 + ~k1 = p2 + ~k2

We sqaure the previous eqution and we obtain:

p21 + 2p1 · ~k1 + ~2 k12 = p22 + 2p2 · ~k2 + ~2 k22

2p1 · ~k1 = 2p2 · ~k2

p1 · k1 = (p1 + ~k1 − ~k2 ) · k2

In the electron rest frame the previous equation becames:

ω1 ω2 ω1
mc = (mc + ~ (1 − cos(Θ)))
c c c
→
− →
−
where Θ is the angle between k 1 and k 2

mc2 ω1 = ω2 (mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos(Θ)))

mc2
ω2 = ω1
mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos(Θ))

6
 →
−
By taking the OZ axis along k1 we obtain that Θ = θk2 and so:

mc2
ω2 = ω1
mc2 + ~ω1 (1 − cos(θk2 ))
We aim to obtain the photon angular distribution so we will have to integrate the
unobserved parameters (the momentum of the electron and the energy of the photon
after scattering).
First we integrate over the electon momentum. In order to do so we will separate
the Delta-Dirac in the component that contains the spatial component of the electron
4-momentum and the component with the time component:

q04 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 →

− − →
− E2 ω2 E1 ω1
dσ = (2π~)4 δ(→
−
p1 + ~ k1 − →
p2 − ~ k2 )δ( +~ − −~ )
4ω1 ω2 E1 E2 c c c c
→
− →
−
dp2 dk2
|M (f, i)|2
(2π~)3 (2π)3

By integrating over the electron momentum →

−
p2 we obtain:
→
−
q 4 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 dk2
dσ = 0 2π~cδ(E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 )|M (f, i)|2 3
4ω1 ω2 E1 E2 cons (2π)

Due to the integration over →

−p2 we will have to replace everywhere in the formula the
→
− →
− →
−
p2 with the conservation law p2 = →
→
− −
p1 + ~ k1 − ~ k2 , this fact is reprezented by the cons
notation.
Passing into spherical coordinates dσ becomes:

q04 (4π)2 (mc2 )2 k22 dk2 dΩk2

dσ = 2π~cδ(E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 )|M (f, i)|2
4ω1 ω2 E1 E2 cons (2π)3

q04 (mc2 )2 ω2
dσ = 2
δ(E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 )|M (f, i)|2 d(~ω2 )dΩk2
c E1 E2 ω1 cons

Next we integrate over energy of the photon after the scattering (~ω2 ). We find ~ω2
in the delta dirac, so we have to see how it will behave in the ingration.
q
E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 = (mc2 )2 + c2 → −
p2 2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1
→
− →
−
q
= (mc2 )2 + c2 (→ −
p1 + ~ k1 − ~ k2 )2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 = f (~ω2 )

So we our delta dirac function is δ(f (~ω2 )), when we will integrate we will use the
transformation rule:
δ(~ω2 − ~ω20 )
δ(f (~ω2 )) = ∂f (~ω2 )
∂~ω2

where ~ω20 is the solution of the equation f (~ω2 ) = 0 <=> E2 + ~ω2 − E1 − ~ω1 = 0.

7
 ∂f (~ω2 )
Next we will compute the ∂~ω2
as follows:
→
−
We will work in the initial electron frame referance so E1 = mc2 and → −p 1 = 0 and
therefor the f (~ω2 ) becomes:

→
− →
−
q
f (~ω2 ) = (mc2 )2 + c2 (~ k1 − ~ k2 )2 + ~ω2 − mc2 − ~ω1
q
= (mc2 )2 + ~2 ω12 + ~2 ω22 − 2~ω2 ~ω1 cos(θk2 ) + ~ω2 − mc2 − ~ω1

And
∂f (~ω2 ) ~ω2 − ~ω1 cos(θk2 )
=p +1
∂~ω2 (mc2 )2 + ~2 ω12 + ~2 ω22 − 2~ω2 ~ω1 cos(θk2 )
E2 + ~ω2 − ~ω1 cos(θk2 )
=
E2
E1 + ~ω1 − ~ω1 cos(θk2 )
=
E2
2
mc + ~ω1 (1 − cos(θk2 ))
=
E2

By integrating over ~ω2 we obtain:

q04 (mc2 )2 ω2 E2
dσ = 2 2
|M (f, i)|2 dΩk2
c E1 E2 ω1 mc + ~ω1 (1 − cos(θk2 )) cons

To obtain the previous form we worked in the incident electron frame, so from now on
everything will be in this frame of reference.

q04 (mc2 )2 ω2 1
dσ = 2 2 2
|M (f, i)|2 dΩk2
c mc ω1 mc + ~ω1 (1 − cos(θk2 )) cons

The ω2 in the privious formula is the one that respect the condition from the delta
2
dirac; this ω2 was also obtain in the formula: ω2 = ω1 mc2 +~ω1mc
(1−cos(θk2 )
. By using it we
obtain:

 2
q04 ω2
dσ = 2 |M (f, i)|2 dΩk2
c ω1 cons

q02
Next we indroduce the classical electron radius r0 = mc2
and we obtain:

 2
ω2
dσ = r02 (mc)2 |M (f, i)|2 dΩk2
ω1 cons

Furthermore we calcultate the M matrix, where:

8
 M (f, i) = ξ2µ ξ1ν Mµν

with
 
p̂1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂1 − ~k̂2 + mc
Mµν = uj (p2 ) γµ γν + γν γµ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2
So M is:

 
p̂ 1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂ 1 − ~k̂2 + mc
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2 ξˆ1 + ξˆ1 ξˆ2 ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2

By using the formula: âb̂ = 2ab − b̂â, we obtain:


~k̂1 2p1 · ξ1 −p̂1 + mc
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2 ξˆ1 + ξˆ2 + ξˆ2 ξˆ1
2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k1

ˆ −~k̂2 ˆ ˆ 2p1 · ξ2 ˆ ˆ −p̂1 + mc
+ξ1 ξ2 + ξ1 + ξ1 ξ2 ui (p1 )
−2p1 · ~k2 −2p1 · ~k2 −2p1 · ~k2
Using (p̂1 − mc)ui (p1 ) = 0 the M matrix becomes:

 
~k̂1 2p 1 · ξ 1 −~ k̂2 2p 1 · ξ 2
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2 ξˆ1 + ξˆ2 + ξˆ1 ξˆ2 + ξˆ1 ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 −2p1 · ~k2
Up till now ξ1 and ξ2 , the polarization 4-vectors, had only 2 conditions to obey
ξi∗· ξi = −1, ξi · ki = 0 so they are not fully constrainted. We can chose a set of
polarization vetors that also ortogonal on p1 ; ξi · p1 = 0. We can obtain them from some
arbitrary polarization vectors ξ1arb and ξ2arb as follows:

ξiarb · p1
ξi = ξiarb − ki , i = 1, 2
k i · p1
The new polarization vectors respect: ξi∗ · ξi = −1, ξi · k = 0, ξi · p1 = 0
So M simplifies to:

 
~k̂1 ~k̂2
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2 ˆ ˆ
ξ1 + ξ1 ˆ
ξ2 ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k2
Next we compute the sum over the intial electron spins and mediate over the final
electron spnis, which are found in the M matrix so:

2
2 1X
|M | → |M |2
2 i,j=1

9
 2
X
In order to compute |M |2 we will denote:
i,j=1

~k̂1 ~k̂2
Q = ξˆ2 ξˆ1 + ξˆ1 ξˆ2
2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k2
So:

2
X 2
X
2
|M | = |uj (p2 )Qui (p1 )|2
i,j=1 i,j=1
2
X
∗
= uj (p2 )Qui (p1 ) uj (p2 )Qui (p1 )
i,j=1
2
X
∗
= uj (p2 )Qui (p1 ) u†j (p2 )γ 0 Qui (p1 )
i,j=1
2
X
= uj (p2 )Qui (p1 )u†i (p1 )Q† γ 0 uj (p2 )
i,j=1
2
X
= uj (p2 )Qui (p1 )ui (p1 )Quj (p2 )
i,j=1

where Q = γ 0 Q† γ 0
Furthermore we explicitly write the product of matrices as:

2
X 2
X 4
X
2
|M | = [uj (p2 )]α Qαβ [ui (p1 )]β [ui (p1 )]γ Qγδ [uj (p2 )]δ
i,j=1 i,j=1 α,β,γ,δ=1
2
X 4
X
= [uj (p2 )]δ [uj (p2 )]α Qαβ [ui (p1 )]β [ui (p1 )]γ Qγδ
i,j=1 α,β,γ,δ=1

Next we use the completeness of the Dirac spinors:

2
X p̂ + mc
uj (p)ui (p) =
i,j=1
2mc

We obtain:

2 4  
X
2
X p̂ + mc  p̂ + mc 
|M | = Qαβ Qγδ
i,j=1 α,β,γ,δ=1
2mc δα 2mc βγ
 
p̂ + mc p̂ + mc
= Tr Q Q
2mc 2mc

10
 Furthermore, we have to compute the previous Trace and to do so we wrote a program
in Mathematica using FeynCalc 9.2.0 by [3][4] as can be seen in Appendix B.

2    
1X 2 1 p̂ + mc p̂ + mc 1 k2 · p1 k1 · p1 2
|M | = T r Q Q = + + 4(ξ1 · ξ2 ) − 2
2 i,j=1 2 2mc 2mc (2mc)2 k1 · p1 k2 · p1

By replacement in the formula of the cross-section we obtain:

 2  
ω2 1 k2 · p1 k1 · p1
dσ = r02 (mc)2 + 2
+ 4(ξ1 · ξ2 ) − 2 dΩk2
ω1 (2mc)2 k1 · p1 k2 · p1 cons

We work in the electron referance frame so:

 2 
r02 ω2

dσ ω2 ω1 2
= + + 4(ξ1 · ξ2 ) − 2
dΩk2 4 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons

Next we have to mediate over the photons polarizations, due to the constraints already
→
−
applied we have only 2 possibilities. Because ξi · p1 = 0 we have ξ = (0, ξi ), so one choise
→
− → −
is to have ξ1 and ξ2 in the plane of ( k1 , k2 ) and due to the fact that ξi · ki = 0 we have
that ξ1 · ξ2 = −cos(θk2 ). The other option is to have ξ1 = ξ2 , ortogonal on the plane of
→
− → −
( k1 , k2 ) with t ξ1 · ξ2 = −1. So:

 2 
r02 ω2
  
dσ ω2 ω2 ω1 ω1 1 2 2
= + + + + 4(−cos(θk2 )) + 4(−1) − 2 − 2
dΩk2 4 ω1 ω1 ω1 ω2 ω2 2 cons

 2 
r02 ω2

dσ ω2 ω1 2
= 2 + 2 + 2cos (θk2 ) + 2 − 4
dΩk2 4 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons

 2 
r02 ω2

dσ ω2 ω1 2
= 2 + + cos (θk2 ) − 1
dΩk2 4 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons

And finally we obtain the Klein-Nishina formula:

 2 
r02 ω2

dσ ω2 ω1 2
= + − sin (θk2 )
dΩk2 2 ω1 ω1 ω2 cons

where const stands for the replacement of all conservation rule we found along the
way.
In the nonrelativistic limit (ω1 = ω2 ) we obtain the Thomson cross section:

r02
 
dσ 2
= 1 + cos (θk2 )
dΩk2 2

11
 Next, we plotted the Klein-Nishina formula for some numerical values:

Figure 2.1: The cross-section for ω1 = 105 Hz and for θk2 from 0 to π

Figure 2.2: The cross-section for orders of magnitude for ω1 = between 1 and 30; and for
θk2 from 0 to π

12
Chapter 3

Helical photons

In this chapter we present briefly the so-called ”twisted photons” (particular solutions
of the Maxwell equations describing electromagnetic field which carries angular momen-
tum), as described in [2].
Twisted photons are photons that along with energy they also have large angular
momentum along the propagation direction. Such a photon may be obtained as a super-
position of plane-wave photons.
So we start from the 4-potential of a plane-wave photon:
r
−
→→
µ →
− ~ µ −i(ωt− k ·−
r)
AkΛ (t, r ) = ξkΛ e
20 ωV
where ξ is the polarization 4-vector and Λ is the helicity, with
∗
ξkΛ · ξkΛ0 = −δΛΛ0 ; Λ = ±1
−
→
A wave vector can be decomposed in kz and a component perpendicular to it: k⊥ =
(kx , ky , 0). So the 4-potential becames:
r
−
→→
µ −i(ωt−kz z) ik⊥ −
AµkΛ (t, →
− ~
r)= ξkΛ e e r
20 ωV
To obtain a helicoidal photon one can proceed so: have a superposition of plane-wave
photons with their wave vectors situated on a cone. Each wave vector will have the same
module, but different orientation such that they forme the cone. The cone will have the
center axis along OZ which will be also the propagating direction. As can be seen in Fig.
3.1:

13
 Figure 3.1: The distribution of PW photons in a TW photon

−
→
To form a cone of a certain spreading k⊥ will have a fixed module κ and a changing
orientation with an angle ϕk and kz will be fixed.
So to obtain the 4-potential for the helical photon one will integrate over the hole k-es,
but the kz is fixed so it will be enough to integrate over the k⊥ :

−
→ d2 k⊥
Z
Aµκmkz Λ (t, →
−
r) = aκm (k⊥ )AµkΛ (t, →
−
r)
(2π)2
where
r
−
→ 2π
aκm (k⊥ ) = (−i)m eimϕk δ(k⊥ − κ)
κ
The delta dirac part is assuring that the kz = κ during the integration and keeping
the module of k constant and the exponential part is providing a shift in the 4-potential of
the plane-wave photon such that the superpositon of them to carry angular momentum.
−
→
By replaceing the aκm (k⊥ ) one can obtain:
2π ∞
→
− √ Z Z
eimϕk µ
µ
Aκmkz Λ (t, r ) = (−i)m
2πκ dϕk dk⊥ δ(k⊥ − κ) A (t, →
−
r)
(2π)2 kΛ
0 0

By replaceing the AµkΛ (t, →

−
r ) as well one can obtain:

√
r Z2π Z∞
eimϕk i−→→
k⊥ −
Aµκmkz Λ (t, →
− ~ µ
r ) = (−i)m 2πκ e−i(ωt−kz z) dϕk dk⊥ ξkΛ δ(k⊥ − κ) e r
20 ωV (2π)2
0 0

One can obtain the normalization condition as:

Z 
Aκ0 m0 kz0 Λ0 (t, →
−
r )Aµκmkz Λ (t, →
−
 ~
∗
r )d3 r = − δΛΛ0 2πδ(kz − kz0 )δmm0 δ(κ − κ 0 )
µ 20 ωV
Next, we plotted the obtained form for the 4-potential of the helical photon. First, we
plotted the 4-potential in module square which is proportional to the energy carried by
the photon 3.2.
We also plotted the complex phase of the 4-potential 3.3. As can be seen, there is a
periodicity, but also a few white lines which are numerical vestiges, due to the program
inability to compute the value in those points.

14
 √
Figure 3.2: Helicoidal Photon; |Aµκmkz Λ |2 for m=5, κ=1, kz = 24 s, i Λ = 1 with t=0
and z=0 as function of x and y

√
Figure 3.3: Complex phase of Aµκmkz Λ for m=5, κ=1, kz = 24 s, i Λ = 1 with t=0 and
z=0 as function of x and y

15
Chapter 4

Scattering of helical photons

In this chapter we present briefly the Compton scattering with twisted photons, as
described in [2].
The Compton scattering with twisted photons is similar to the Compton scattering
with plane-wave photons, the only difference is what photons are used. Because of this,
we will not follow the procedure of finding the differential cross-section step-by-step as we
did for the PW Compton scattering.
The TW Compton scattering is taking place as the PW Compton scattering, in the
same general idea, according to the same Feynman diagrams. So one can compute the
transition amplitude in the same manner, in the Second order time dependent perturba-
tion theory, as:

Z
(T W ) 1
Sf i = dx1 dx2 Ψ†f (x2 )Hint SF (x2 − x1 )Hint Ψi (x1 )
i(~c)2

where

Z
dp − i p(x2 −x1 ) p̂ + mc
SF (x2 − x1 ) = ~ 4
e ~
(2π~) p − (mc)2 + iχ
2

s
1 i mc2
Ψi (x) = √ e− ~ p1 x ui (p1 )
V E1

s
1 i mc2
Ψf (x) = √ e− ~ p2 x uj (p2 )
V E2

Hint = γ0 qcÂ

But this time the 4-vector potential is for a twisted photon, not for a plane wave
one;A = Aκmkz Λ (x) namely:

17
 −
→ d2 k⊥
Z
Aκmkz Λ (x) = aκm (k⊥ )AkΛ (x)
(2π)2

where
r
−
→ 2π
aκm (k⊥ ) = (−i)m eimϕk δ(k⊥ − κ)
κ

r
~
AkΛ (x) = ξe−ik·x , ξ ∗ · ξ = −1, ξ · k = 0
20 ωV
This was the 4-potential for the absorbed photon with k = k1 . For the emitted photon
(emited)
k = k2 we have Aκmkz Λ (x) = A∗κmkz Λ (x).
So the transition amplitude becomes:

Z
(T W )
Sf i = − i dx1 dx2 Ψf (x2 )
d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
 Z
−→ ∗ −→
Z
q ∗ q
aκ2 m2 (k2⊥ )Â k2 Λ2 (x2 ) SF (x 2 − x 1 ) a κ1 m 1 (k1⊥ ) Âk 1 Λ1 (x1 ) +
~ (2π)2 ~ (2π)2
d2 k1⊥ d2 k2⊥

−→ −→ ∗
Z Z
q q ∗
aκ1 m1 (k1⊥ )Âk1 Λ1 (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) aκ2 m2 (k2⊥ )Â k2 Λ2 (x1 ) Ψi (x1 )
~ (2π)2 ~ (2π)2

Because k1⊥ , k2⊥ , x1 and x2 are independent we can change the order of the integrals
and give some common factors:

−→ −→ d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
Z
(T W )
Sf i = a∗κ2 m2 (k2⊥ )aκ1 m1 (k1⊥ )
(2π)2 (2π)2
" Z 
q q
− i dx1 dx2 Ψf (x2 ) Â∗ k2 Λ2 (x2 )SF (x2 − x1 ) Âk1 Λ1 (x1 )+
~ ~
 #
q q ∗
Âk Λ (x2 )SF (x2 − x1 ) Â k2 Λ2 (x1 ) Ψi (x1 )
~ 1 ~

As can be seen one can recall the transition amplitude for a PW Compton scattering,
namely:

Z  ∗
(P W ) q  (k2 , x2 ) q Â(k1 , x1 )
Sf i = −i dx1 dx2 Ψf (x2 ) SF (x2 − x1 ) +
~ ~
q Â∗ (k2 , x1 )

q Â(k1 , x2 )
SF (x2 − x1 ) Ψi (x1 )
~ ~

So:

18
 −→ −→ (P W ) d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
Z
(T W )
Sf i = a∗κ2 m2 (k2⊥ )aκ1 m1 (k1⊥ )Sf i
(2π)2 (2π)2
(P W )
We processed Sf i in the PW Compton scattering part and obtained:

s
(P W ) iq 21 (mc2 )2
Sf i = −p 2 (2π~)4 δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 ) × M (f, i)
40 ω1 ω2 V 2 E1 E2

Here V12 is the normalization factor for the PW photon and electron. But here we
π
have a TW photon so instead of this factor one can use V RL z
as the normalization for the
TW photon and electron.

s
2
(P W ) iq π (mc2 )2
Sf i = −p 2 (2π~)4 δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 ) × M (f, i)
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2

with

 
ˆ∗ p̂1 + ~k̂1 + mc ˆ ˆ p̂1 − ~k̂2 + mc ˆ∗
M = uj (p2 ) ξ2 ξ1 + ξ1 ξ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2

By using the conservation law p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 = 0 one can obtain an equivalent
form for M :

 
p̂ 1 + ~k̂1 + mc p̂ 2 − ~k̂1 + mc
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2
∗
ξˆ1 + ξˆ1 ξˆ ui (p1 )
∗
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2

Next we will process the M matrix using b̂â + âb̂ = 2ab and Dirac equation as we did
before and obtain:

 
~k̂1 2ξ 1 · p 1 −~ k̂1 2p 2 · ξ 1
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2∗ ξˆ1 + ξˆ2
∗
+ ξˆ1 ξˆ +
∗
ξˆ ui (p1 )
∗
2p1 · ~k1 2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2 −2p1 · ~k2 2

 
~k̂1 −~k̂1
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2∗ ˆ ˆ
ξ1 + ξ1 ˆ ∗
ξ ui (p1 )+
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2
(2ξ1 · p1 )uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 ) (2p2 · ξ1 )uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )
 
+
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2

From now on we will consider only the Back-scattering TW Compton effect, mainly
because in this case one can do a transparent procedure to obtain the differential cross-
section.

19
 One can denote the term:

(2ξ1 · p1 )uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 ) (2p2 · ξ1 )uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )
C= +
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2

 
ξ1 · p 1 ξ 1 · p2
C=2 + uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2

Because we treat the Back-scattering Compton →

−
pi = (0, 0, piz ), so:

 
ξ1z p1z ξ1z p2z
C= − uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )
p1 · ~k1 p1 · ~k2

 
ξ1z p1z p2z
C= ω1 − uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )
ω1 p1 · ~k1 p1 · ~k2
 
The term ω1 p1p·~k 1z
1
− p2z
p1 ·~k2
is very small because of mutual cancellations, so one
may neglect C.
Then the M matrix becomes:

 
~k̂1 −~ k̂1
M = uj (p2 ) ξˆ2∗ ξˆ1 + ξˆ1 ξˆ∗ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2

Fouthermore we use âb̂ = 2ab − b̂â and the property ξi · ki = 0 and we obtain:

 
~k̂1 ~k̂1
M = uj (p2 ) − ξˆ2∗ ξˆ1 + ˆ ˆ∗
ξ1 ξ ui (p1 )
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2 2
By making a notation we obtain:

A B
M= +
2p1 · ~k1 −2p1 · ~k2
where

A = −uj (p2 )ξˆ2∗ ξˆ1 ~k̂1 ui (p1 )

B = uj (p2 )~k̂1 ξˆ1 ξˆ2∗ ui (p1 )

Furthremore one can compute the scalar products 2p1 · ~k1 and −2p1 · ~k2 .

20
 →
−
For the twisted photons the 4-wave-vectors are ki = ( ωci , ki ) with

→
− ω1
k1 = (sin(α0 )cos(ϕk ), sin(α0 )sin(ϕk ), −cos(α0 ))
c

→
− ω2
k2 = (sin(θ2 )cos(ϕk ), sin(θ2 )sin(ϕk ), cos(θ2 ))
c
where θ2 = π − α0

Because we have Back-scattering TW Compton effect the 4-momentum of the initial

−
→
and final electron will be:pi = ( Eci , 0, 0, vi Eci ); where v = c|Epii | . So:

E1 ~ω1
2p1 · ~k1 = 2 (1 + v1 cos(α0 ))
c2

E1 ~ω2
−2p1 · ~k2 = −2 (1 − v1 cos(θ2 ))
c2
Next we will focus upon the polarzitions 4-vectors in order to further copute the M
matrix. One can take the the polarzitions 4-vectors as:

→
−
ξi = (0, ξi )
with

→
− Λi →
− →
−
ξi = − √ ( ξix + iΛi ξiy )
2
Λi is the helicity of the photon i
→
− →
−
Where the ξix is the unit vector in the scattering plane (p1 ; ki ) and ξiy is the unit vector
ortogonal on it.
After some trigonometrical calculus one can obtain:

 
0
Λ cos(α0 )cos(ϕk1 ) + iΛsin(ϕk1 )
ξ1 = √  
2 cos(α0 )sin(ϕk1 ) − iΛcos(ϕk1 )
sin(α0 )
and

 
0
Λ2 cos(θ2 )cos(ϕk1 ) − iΛ2 sin(ϕk1 )
ξ2 = − √  
2 cos(θ2 )sin(ϕk1 ) + iΛ2 cos(ϕk1 )
−sin(θ2 )

21
 where θ2 = π − α0
If we neglect the small terms of order of θ2 ξ2 becomes:

Λ2
ξ2 = − √ (0, 1, iΛ2 , 0)e−iΛ2 ϕk1
2
By using those forms one can compute:

2ξˆ2∗ ξˆ1 = −(1 − Λ1 Λ2 cos(α0 ))(1 − Λ2 Σz ) + Λ1 (Σx − iΛ2 Σy )eiΛ2 ϕk1

where 21 Σ is a 4 × 4 matrix vector which measure the electron spin.

Replacing this result in A one can obtain:

√
~ω1 E1 E2
A=2 2
[(1 − Λ1 Λ2 cos(α0 ))(1 + cos(α0 )) + 2λ1 Λ1 sin2 (α0 )]δλ1 λ2 δ2λ1 ,−Λ2
c mc
where λi is the spin of the electron.
Similar one can obtain:

√
~ω1 E1 E2
B = −2 [(1 − Λ1 Λ2 cos(α0 ))(1 + cos(α0 )) + 2λ1 Λ1 sin2 (α0 )]δλ1 λ2 δ2λ1 ,Λ2
c mc2
Now that we computed the matrix M , we can conclude that it does not depend on
k⊥ , nor on ϕk .
Next one can continue to compute the tranzition amplitude as:

−→ −→ (P W ) d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
Z
(T W )
Sf i = a∗κ2 m2 (k2⊥ )aκ1 m1 (k1⊥ )Sf i
(2π)2 (2π)2

s r r
(T W ) iq 2 π (mc2 )2 4 2π 2π (m2 −m1 )
Sf i =− p 2 (2π~) i
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2 κ1 κ2
Z
δ(k2⊥ − κ2 )δ(k1⊥ − κ1 )δ(p1 + ~k1 − p2 − ~k2 )
d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
e−im2 ϕk2 eim1 ϕk1 × M
(2π)2 (2π)2

s r r
(T W ) iq 2 π (mc2 )2 4 2π 2π (m2 −m1 )
Sf i =− p 2 (2π~) i
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2 κ1 κ2
E1 ~ω1 E2 ~ω2
δ( + − − )δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z )
Z c c c c
−→ −→ d2 k2⊥ d2 k1⊥
δ(k2⊥ − κ2 )δ(k1⊥ − κ1 )δ(~k1⊥ − ~k2⊥ )e−im2 ϕk2 eim1 ϕk1 × M
(2π)2 (2π)2

22
 s r r
(T W ) iq 2 π (mc2 )2 4 2π 2π (m2 −m1 )
Sf i =− p 2 (2π~) i
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2 κ1 κ2
E1 ~ω1 E2 ~ω2
δ( + − − )δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z ) × M
Z c c c c
1 1
δ(k2⊥ − κ2 )δ(k1⊥ − κ1 ) 2 √ δ(k1⊥ − k2⊥ )δ(ϕk1 − ϕk2 )
~ k1⊥ k2⊥
k2⊥ dk2⊥ dϕk2 k1⊥ dk1⊥ dϕk1
e−im2 ϕk2 eim1 ϕk1
(2π)2 (2π)2

Integrating over k1⊥ , k2⊥ , ϕk2 one can obtain:

s r r
(T W ) iq 2 π (mc2 )2 4 2π 2π (m2 −m1 )
Sf i =− p 2 (2π~) i
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2 κ1 κ2
E1 ~ω1 E2 ~ω2
δ( + − − )δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z ) × M
cZ c c c
1 1 κ2 κ1 dϕk1
2
√ δ(κ1 − κ2 )ei(m1 −m2 )ϕk1
~ κ1 κ2 (2π)2 (2π)2

Furthermore by integrating over ϕk2 the privious formula becomes:

s
2
(T W ) iq π (mc2 )2 2
Sf i =− p 2 ~ (2π)2 i(m2 −m1 )
40 ω1 ω2 V RLz E1 E2
cδ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z )δ(κ1 − κ2 )δm1 ,m2 × M

Furthermore one can compute the averaged cross section as

(T W ) |S (T W ) |2
dσ = dne dnγ
T < jz >
where

V d3 p2
dne =
(2π~)3

2Rdκ2 Lz dk2z
dnγ =
2π 2π

c v1 + cos(α0 )
< jz >= jz(e) − < jz(γ) >=
V

23
 (T W )
The squared Sf i contains squared delta functions which will behave as:

T
[δ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )]2 = δ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )
2π~

Lz
[δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z )]2 = δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z )
2π~

2R
[δ(κ1 − κ2 )]2 = δ(κ1 − κ2 )
2π
So the averaged cross section is:

q4 π2 (mc2 )2 4 T
dσ (T W ) = 2 2
~ (2π)4 c2 δ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )
40 ω1 ω2 (V RLz ) E1 E2 2π~
Lz 2R
δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z ) δ(κ1 − κ2 )δm1 ,m2
2π~ 2π
3
1 V V d p 2 2Rdκ2 Lz dk2z
× |M |2

T c v1 + cos(α0 ) (2π~)3 2π 2π

q2
One can denote q02 = 4π0
and obtain:

(mc2 )2 c
dσ (T W ) =q04 δ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )
ω1 ω2 E1 E2 ~
1
δ(p1z + ~k1z − p2z − ~k2z )δ(κ1 − κ2 )δm1 ,m2 |M |2 d3 p2 dκ2 dk2z
v1 + cos(α0 )

Integrating over the κ2 and k2z one can obtain:

(T W ) (mc2 )2 c δ(E1 + ~ω1 − E2 − ~ω2 )

dσ =q04 2
δm1 ,m2 |M |2 d3 p2
ω1 ω2 E1 E2 ~ v1 + cos(α0 )

24
Appendix A

The free Dirac equation: The

non-covariant form

We will present the Dirac equation as discribed in [1].

A.1 The non-covariant form

∂Ψ h →− →
− 2
i
i~ = c α · P + βmc Ψ(x) (A.1)
∂t
where

0 →
−
 
σ
α= →
− (A.2)
σ 0

 
−1 0
β= (A.3)
0 −1

with 1 and 0 the unit and zero 2x2 matrices →

−
σ ≡ (σ1 , σ2 , σ3 ) the Pauli’s matrices.

A.2 Planar solutions

If solved in the electron reference frame this equation admits 4 solutions:
→
− i 2
1)E = mc2 ; ψ0 = w(r) ( 0 )e− ~ mc t , r = 1, 2,
→
− i 2
2)E = −mc2 ; ψ0 = w(r) ( 0 )e ~ mc t , r = 3, 4

where    
1 0
→
−  0
 →
− 1;
 
w(1) ( 0 ) = 
0 ; w (2) ( 0 ) = 0
0 0

25
    
0 0
→
− 0 →
− 0
w(3) ( 0 ) = 1; w(4) ( 0 ) = 0;
  

0 1
In the laboratory reference frame this equation admits 4 solutions; here the electron
has te momentum → −p:
1)E = mc ; ψ0 = w(r) (→ − i 2
2
p )e ~ mc t , r = 1, 2,
2)E = −mc2 ; ψ0 = w(r) (→ − i 2
p )e ~ mc t , r = 3, 4
where    
1 0
+mc  0  p0 +mc  1 
q q
w(1) (→
−p ) = p02mc →
−
   
p3
 p +mc  (2); w ( p ) = 2mc  p− 
;
0 0 p +mc
p+ −p3
p0 +mc p0 +mc
 p3 
p0 +mc
q p+ 
w(3) (→
− p0 +mc  p0 +mc 

p)= 2mc  ;
1
0
 p− 
p0 +mc
q  −p3 
w(4) (→
−
p)= p0 +mc  p0 +mc 
2mc  ;
0
1
where p± = p1 ± ip2

A.3 Boost
q
SB (−→
− →
−
p→−
h i
p0 +mc 1
v)= 2mc
1+ p0 +mc
α

A.4 Orthogonality/Completitude relations

A)

1)w(r) (→
−
p ) · w(s) (→
−
p ) = εr δrs , (r, s = 1 ÷ 4) (A.4)

with

εr = 1; f orE = mc2 ; (A.5)

εr = −1; f orE = −mc2 ; (A.6)

2)u(r) (→
−
p ) · u(r) (→
−
p ) = δrs ; (A.7)

26
 3)v (r) (→
−
p ) · v(r) (→
−
p ) = −δrs ; (A.8)

B)
p0
1)u†(r) (→
−
p ) · u(r) (→
− † →
p ) = v(r) (−
p ) · v(r) (→
−
p)= δrs ; (A.9)
mc

2)u†(r) (→
−
p ) · v(r) (→
− † →
p ) = v(r) (−
p ) · c(r) (→
−
p ) = 0; (A.10)

C)
2
p̂ + mc
u(s) (→
−
p ) ⊗ u(s) (→
−
X
1) p)= ; (A.11)
s=1
2mc

2
p̂ − mc
v(s) (→
−
p ) ⊗ v (s) (→
−
X
2) p)= ; (A.12)
s=1
2mc

A.5 Projectors on subspaces of solutions

We can define the projectors on the solutions:

p̂ + mc
∆+ (→
−
p)= ; (A.13)
2mc

p̂ − mc
∆− (→
−
p)=− ; (A.14)
2mc
with the properties:

∆+ (→
−
p )u(s) (→
−
p ) = u(s) (→
−
p ); ∆+ (→
−
p )v(s) (→
−
p ) = 0; (A.15)

∆− (→
−
p )u(s) (→
−
p ) = 0; ∆− (→
−
p )v(s) (→
−
p ) = v(s) (→
−
p ); (A.16)

∆2+ = ∆+ ; ∆2− = ∆− ; ∆+ ∆− = 0; (A.17)

27
 We can alos define the projectors on the subspaces coresponding to the two projections
of the spin:

Σ+ (→
−e3 )ζ(1) (→
−e 3 ) = ζ(1) (→
−

 e 3 ),
→
− →
−


1  Σ+ ( e3 )ζ(2) ( e 3 ) = 0,
Σ± (→
−
e3 ) = (1 ± σ3 ) : (A.18)
2 
 Σ− (→
−e3 )ζ(1) (→
−e 3 ) = 0,
Σ− ( e3 )ζ(2) ( e 3 ) = ζ(2) (→
→
− →
− −


e 3 ),

with

   
1 0
ζ(1) (→
−
e 3) = →
−
; ζ(2) ( e 3 ) = ; (A.19)
0 1

A.6 Dirac matrices

The Dirac matrices are defined as:

γ0 = β (A.20)

γ i = βαi ; i = 1, 3 (A.21)

And they obey the equation:

{γ µ , γ ν } = 2g µν (A.22)

This relation is defining for a number of 16 matrices, creating an algebra of Dirac

matrices. Those matrices are:

1)Γ1 = 1 (A.23)

2)Γ2 = iγ 1 ; Γ3 = iγ 2 ; Γ4 = iγ 3 ; Γ5 = γ 0 ; (A.24)

3)Γ6 = iγ 2 γ 3 ; Γ7 = iγ 3 γ 1 ; Γ8 = iγ 1 γ 2 ; Γ9 = γ 0 γ 1 ; Γ10 = γ 0 γ 2 ; Γ11 = γ 0 γ 3 ; (A.25)

4)Γ12 = iγ 0 γ 2 γ 3 ; Γ13 = iγ 0 γ 3 γ 1 ; Γ14 = iγ 0 γ 1 γ 2 ; Γ15 = γ 1 γ 2 γ 3 ; (A.26)

5)Γ16 = iγ 0 γ 1 γ 2 γ 3 = γ5 (notation) (A.27)

28
 The main properties of those matrices are:
A)

(Γi )2 = 1, ∀i = 1, 16 (A.28)

B) For any pair Γi and Γj exists Γk , i, j, k ∈ (1, 16) such that:

Γi Γj = sΓk (A.29)

where s = ±1 or ±i

C)For any pair Γi and Γj we have

Γi Γj = ±Γj Γi (A.30)

D)For any Γi , except Γ1 , exists Γj , j ∈ (2, 16) such that

Γj Γi Γj = −Γi orΓi Γj + Γj Γi = 0 (A.31)

From the last property it results that the trace of any matrix Γi is zero:

−T r(Γi ) = T r(−Γi ) = T r(Γj Γi Γj ) = T r(Γi Γ2j ) = T r(Γi ) = 0 (A.32)

for any i = 2, 16.

X16
E) The 16 matrixes are liniar independent. ai Γi = 0 if and only if ai = 0 ∀i ∈ (1, 16).
i=1

F)Any matrix A which commutes with all the other 4 γ matrices is a multiple of the
unit matrix (Schur’s lemma).

29
References

[1] C. Stoica, Relativistic quantum mechanics, lecture notes, University of Bucharest

[2] U. D. Jentschura and V. G. Serbo, Eur. Phys. J. C 71, 1571 (2011)

[3] V. Shtabovenko, R. Mertig and F. Orellana, Comput. Phys. Commun., 207C, 432-
444, 2016, arXiv:1601.01167

[4] R. Mertig, M. Böhm, and A. Denner, Comput. Phys. Commun., 64, 345-359, 1991.

[5] W. Greiner, J. Reinhardt, Quantum Electrodynamics, Springer-Verlag Berlin and

Heidelberg GmbH and Co. KG

[6] W. Greiner, D. A. Bromley Relativistic Quantum Mechanics. Wave Equations,

Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH and Co. KG

31