Rayleigh scattering of a linearly polarized light: scenario of the complete experiment

Abstract

The process of the elastic scattering of photons on atoms, known as the Rayleigh scattering, is investigated. Expressing the scattering observables in terms of the electric and magnetic complex scattering amplitudes, we work over the scenarios for their independent benchmarking by experiments. In particular, the combination of the cross section and polarization transfer of initially linearly polarized light provides an opportunity for a complete experiment for any but fixed scattering angle. It allows us to deduce the modulus of the electric and magnetic amplitudes together with the phase difference individually. The findings are illustrated by the theoretical calculations of the scattering of 150 - 250 keV photons on lead atoms.