The Scattering of Light by Light

Robert Karplus and Maurice Neuman
Phys. Rev. 83, 776 – Published 15 August 1951
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Abstract

Cross sections for several processes involving electromagnetic fields in a nonlinear manner are derived from the electrodynamic scattering matrix and are expressed in terms of the fourth-order nonlinear vacuum polarization tensor. The differential cross section for the scattering of light by light is calculated as a function of energy and angle. Numerical values are given for scattering at zero and at ninety degrees in the center-of-mass system. Near 1.75 Mev the forward scattering cross section has its largest value of 4.1×1031 cm2/sterad, while the maximum right-angle scattering takes place near 0.7 Mev with a cross section of 2.8×1031 cm2/sterad, all for unpolarized radiation. Numerical results are also given for scattering at the above angles between circularly polarized states. The conclusions in this paper agree with all the results previously calculated for special cases.

  • Received 6 October 1950

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.83.776

©1951 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Robert Karplus* and Maurice Neuman

  • Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, Long Island, New York

  • *Now at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Issue

Vol. 83, Iss. 4 — August 1951

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