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Compton Wavelength Shift Calculator

Δλ for a photon scattering off a free electron.

Compute the Compton shift in wavelength when a photon scatters elastically off an electron at scattering angle θ, using Δλ = (h / m_e c) · (1 − cos θ). Compton wavelength = 2.426·10⁻¹² m.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

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Results

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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

Δλ = λ_C · (1 − cos θ), λ_C = h / (m_e · c) = 2.426·10⁻¹² m.

In depth

Compute the Compton shift in wavelength when a photon scatters elastically off an electron at scattering angle θ, using Δλ = (h / m_e c) · (1 − cos θ). Compton wavelength = 2.426·10⁻¹² m.