Dipole Radiation and Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves

Abstract

In this chapter we consider scattering of an electromagnetic wave on a free charged particle — a process often referred to as Thomson scattering. This interaction induces a damping force on the charged particle called the radiation reaction force, which maintains the energy balance. Additionally, the radiation exerts another force in the direction of propagation called the light pressure, which is responsible for conserving the combined momentum of the particles and fields. We also briefly discuss inverse Compton scattering off a point charge moving with a relativistic velocity.