Compton scattering cross section for inner-shell electrons in the relativistic impulse approximation

Total Compton scattering cross sections and inelastic scattering factors for bound electron states of several elements have been evaluated in the framework of the relativistic impulse approximation (RIA). The accuracy of different approximate expressions for the singly differential cross section within the RIA is discussed. Accurate evaluations of bound state scattering factors require the use of the full RIA expression. Compton scattering from K-shell electrons dominates over the photoelectric absorption at higher energies. Energy values at which the Compton interaction become the main process of creation of K-shell vacancies are assessed. The role of binding effects in Compton processes at lower energies are clearly evidenced by the computed total cross sections. Calculated K-shell ionization total cross sections, defined as the sum of the photoelectric absorption and the Compton scattering cross sections, are in good agreement with available experimental data. The total Compton cross section for the 2s atomic orbital exhibits a shoulder-like structure, which can be traced back to the node structure of the 2s wave function.