Interpretation of Bremsstrahlung diagram

In summary, the conversation discusses the emission of two gamma rays by an electron and the role of conservation laws in this process. It is clarified that one of the photons in the diagram is an internal line and therefore does not get emitted.
  • #1
rwooduk
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This is what we have been given in class:

nMbzaP0.jpg


I'm a little confused as the electron seems to emit two gamma rays? I understand that the process can't occur if there isn't interaction with a nucleus due to conservation of momentum. Please could someone confirm that the top gamma is the initial release due to deceleration / acceleration, and the lower gamma is there to satisfy conservation laws.

Thanks for any help.
 
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  • #2
rwooduk said:
I'm a little confused as the electron seems to emit two gamma rays?

Why do you think the electron is emitting two gammas? One of the photons in the diagram is an internal line.
 
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  • #3
Orodruin said:
Why do you think the electron is emitting two gammas? One of the photons in the diagram is an internal line.

Thanks. But internal in what sense?
 
  • #4
Both ends are within the Feynman diagram, it does not leave/enter it => it does not get emitted.
 
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  • #5
mfb said:
Both ends are within the Feynman diagram, it does not leave/enter it => it does not get emitted.

I didnt know that, many thanks!
 

Related to Interpretation of Bremsstrahlung diagram

1. What is a Bremsstrahlung diagram?

A Bremsstrahlung diagram is a graph that shows the intensity of the emitted radiation as a function of the radiation wavelength or energy. It is used to interpret the radiation emitted by charged particles as they are decelerated by a target material.

2. How is a Bremsstrahlung diagram interpreted?

The slope of the Bremsstrahlung diagram represents the number of electrons that are decelerated per unit energy interval. The intensity of the radiation is proportional to the number of decelerated electrons, so the higher the slope, the higher the intensity of the emitted radiation.

3. What is the significance of the peak in a Bremsstrahlung diagram?

The peak in a Bremsstrahlung diagram represents the maximum energy or wavelength of the emitted radiation. It is determined by the energy of the incident electrons and the atomic number of the target material.

4. How does the target material affect the Bremsstrahlung diagram?

The atomic number of the target material affects the shape and position of the Bremsstrahlung diagram. Higher atomic numbers result in a higher intensity and a sharper peak, while lower atomic numbers result in a lower intensity and a broader peak.

5. What is the application of the Bremsstrahlung diagram in scientific research?

The Bremsstrahlung diagram is used in various fields of research such as nuclear physics, materials science, and medical physics. It provides valuable information about the energy and intensity of the emitted radiation, which can be used to study the properties of materials and to develop new technologies such as X-ray imaging and cancer treatment.

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