10/30/2006

Benjamin Schlein
UC Davis

Scattering theory in models of non-relativistic QED

In this talk I will review some recent results concerning the scattering theory in systems of non-relativistic matter coupled to a quantized radiation field. In particular I will consider models describing the physical processes of Rayleigh and Compton scattering. Rayleigh scattering refers to the scattering of photons (the field quanta of the electromagnetic field) at atoms with total energy below the ionization threshold. Compton scattering, on the other hand, denotes the scattering of photons at free electrons. I plan to explain some of the mathematical methods used in the study of these models, to present some of the rigorous results which can be obtained with these methods, and to discuss some important open problems.