Question

what is quantum scattering?

Answer 1

Scattering of one object from another is perhaps our best way of observing and learning about the microscopic world. Indeed it is the scattering of light from objects and the subsequent detection of the scattered light with our eyes that gives us the best information about the macroscopic world. We can learn the shapes of objects as well as some color properties simply by observing scattered light.

There is a limit to what we can learn with visible light. In Quantum Mechanics we know that we cannot discern details of microscopic systems (like atoms) that are smaller than the wavelength of the particle we are scattering. Since the minimum wavelength of visible light is about 0.25 microns, we cannot see atoms or anything smaller even with the use of optical microscopes. The physics of atoms, nuclei, subatomic particles, and the fundamental particles and interactions in nature must be studied by scattering particles of higher energy than the photons of visible light.