Compton effect

Synonym: Compton scattering

The elastic scattering of a photon by an electron which afterwards occurs as a free electron. Part of the energy and momentum of the incident photon is transferred to the electron and the remaining part is carried away by the scattered photon. Synonymous with Compton scattering
Source:
PAC, 1982, 54, 1533 (Glossary of terms used in nuclear analytical chemistry (Provisional)) on page 1538