Interaction of free electrons with electromagnetic radiation

Ya.B. Zel’dovich
All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics — Federal Nuclear Centre, prosp. Mira 37, Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region, 607190, Russian Federation

A study is made of the interaction of a random field of electromagnetic radiation with the free electrons of a plasma, with applications to astrophysical problems, in particular the theory of how thermodynamic equilibrium of the radiation in a hot universe is established. A kinetic equation describes the variation of the spectrum; special attention is devoted to induced scattering and the classical interpretation of induced energy and momentum transfer. In the spectra of radio sources with a high luminosity temperature, induced scattering can lead to a Bose condensation of photons, a shock wave and solitons. The scattering of strong low-frequency waves is considered in connection with their effect on pulsars and laboratory coherent generators.

PACS: 52.25.Kn, 52.25.Dg, 52.35.Hr (all)
DOI: 10.1070/PU1975v018n02ABEH001947
URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1975/2/a/
Citation: Zel’dovich Ya B "Interaction of free electrons with electromagnetic radiation" Sov. Phys. Usp. 18 79–98 (1975)

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Оригинал: Зельдович Я Б «Взаимодействие свободных электронов с электромагнитным излучением» УФН 115 161–197 (1975); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0115.197502a.0161

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