INCOHERENT SCATTERING Meaning and
Definition
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Incoherent scattering refers to a phenomenon in physics where the interaction of electromagnetic radiation, such as light or X-rays, with matter results in a scattered pattern that is random and lacks any distinguishable phase relationship. It arises due to the interaction between the electromagnetic wave and the charged particles within the material.
When electromagnetic radiation is scattered by a medium, it can undergo two distinct types of scattering: coherent and incoherent scattering. Incoherent scattering occurs when the wavelength of the incident radiation is much larger than the characteristic size of the scattering particles. As a result, the scattered waves from different particles interfere randomly, leading to the loss of any phase correlation.
One of the most common examples of incoherent scattering is Compton scattering, where X-rays or gamma rays interact with freely moving charged particles, usually electrons, resulting in a loss of energy and a change in direction of the radiation. This inelastic scattering process is responsible for the attenuation of X-rays as they pass through a material.
Incoherent scattering is important in a variety of fields, including materials science, imaging techniques, and spectroscopy. It provides valuable information about the structure and composition of materials, as well as their dynamic and electronic properties.
Overall, incoherent scattering describes the random and uncorrelated scattering of electromagnetic radiation by charged particles when the wavelength is much larger than the scattering particles' characteristic size.
Etymology of INCOHERENT SCATTERING
The word "incoherent" comes from the Latin word "incohaerens", which means "not sticking together". It is derived from the prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "without", and the verb "cohaerere" which means "to stick together". The term "scattering" comes from the Middle English word "scateren", which means "to disperse" or "to scatter". So, the etymology of "incoherent scattering" reflects the idea of the scattering of waves or particles that are not sticking together or not in a coherent manner.
