What is Thompson scatter another name for?

Thompson scatter is indeed another name for classical scatter. This term refers to the interaction of photons with matter where the photon is scattered elastically, meaning it retains its energy after interaction. In this scattering process, the direction of the photon changes while the wavelength and energy remain the same, effectively classifying it as a non-ionizing interaction.

This phenomenon occurs at relatively low energies, where the energies of the photons are not sufficient to eject electrons from atoms. Because of this, classical scatter does not lead to ionization, which distinguishes it from other types of scattering or interactions involving higher energy photons.

In contrast, Compton scatter involves photons interacting with electrons and can result in a transfer of energy that may lead to the ionization of atoms. Photoelectric interaction refers to a process where an incident photon is completely absorbed by an electron, resulting in the ejection of that electron from the atom. The term "alien scatter" is not a recognized term in the context of photon interactions, making it irrelevant in this scenario. Understanding these differences helps clarify why classical scatter is synonymous with Thompson scatter.