Compton shift and de Broglie frequency

Abstract

Compton scattering is usually explained in terms of the relativistic mass and momentum. Here, a mathematically equivalent and simple non-relativistic interpretation shows that the Compton frequency shift is equal to the de Broglie frequency associated with the moving charged particle (e.g., an electron). In this work, the moving electron is considered as a particle and the electromagnetic energy associated with it is shown to be proportional to the de Broglie frequency. This energy is released when its motion is arrested, as for example on a diffraction screen, where it causes the observed interfernce patterns. Thus, electrons transport electromagnetic energy from a source to a sink.