The formula given for compton scattering shows that when x-ray of one specific wavelength hits carbon or some materials, emitted x-ray will be of one new specific wavelength.
However, according to scattered x-ray intensity (y-axis) vs wavelength (x-axis) graph, it shows that there are multiple wavelengths for each scattering angle.
So, what is the wrong part of my thoughts? How should compton scattering formula be interpreted? And how can one explain that scattered x-ray frequency can be higher than original x-ray frequency?
Best Answer
Found this for you: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/compdat.html.
The formula for Compton scattering assumes a free electron initially at rest. In reality, electrons have thermal motion, so only the peak value corresponds to the formula. In addition, electrons are bound by electromagnetic force. Electrons in the inner shell will have a larger effective mass, because the whole atom will recoil with them. This corresponds to other peaks.