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Home / Physics / Modern Physics / X-Ray Physics / Compton effect - energy-dispersive direct measurement
Nobel Prize in Physics, 1927 · Arthur H. Compton

Prove that light carries momentum like a particle.

Measure how X-ray photons lose energy as they scatter, and confirm the Compton formula directly.

Compton effect experiment
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Compton effect - energy-dispersive direct measurement
✓ Available in the U.S. 110V/60Hz Adapted U.S. Exclusive
Modern Physics / X-Ray Physics

Compton effect - energy-dispersive direct measurement

Article No. P2546005

Photons of the molybdenum K α X-ray line are scattered at the quasi-free electrons of an acrylic glass cuboid. The energy of the scattered photons is determined in an angle-dependent manner with the aid of a swivelling semiconductor detector and a multi-channel analyser.

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Available in the United States, 110V/60Hz adapted for direct use in U.S. labs
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Available through American Scientific

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Try it yourself

Change the scattering angle

Swing the detector around the scatterer. The larger the angle, the more energy each X-ray photon hands to an electron.

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What your students will do
1

Scatter the X-rays

Photons of the molybdenum Kα line strike an acrylic glass scatterer.

2

Measure at each angle

A swiveling semiconductor detector and multichannel analyzer record the scattered photon energy.

3

Confirm the Compton formula

Compare the measured energy shift with the Compton equation and determine the Compton wavelength.

A great fit for
Modern PhysicsQuantum PhysicsAtomic PhysicsAdvanced Undergraduate Lab
17.5 keVMo Kα primary energy
2.43 pmCompton wavelength students determine
Energy-dispersiveDirect measurement with an MCA
Scattering angleScattered photon energy (keV)0°45°90°135°180°

Scattered photon energy falls as the angle increases, following the Compton equation (illustrative).

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Common questions
Does it work on U.S. power?

Yes. Units supplied through American Scientific are adapted for 110V/60Hz and supported in the U.S., including warranty and replacement parts.

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