Central-potential partial-wave scattering
For a real short-range central potential, each elastic orbital partial wave has S_l=exp(2iδ_l), |S_l|=1.
Key knowledge
For a real short-range central potential, each elastic orbital partial wave has S_l=exp(2iδ_l), |S_l|=1. The amplitude is f(θ)=(1/k)Σ_l(2l+1)exp(iδ_l)sinδ_l P_l(cosθ), and σ_el=(4π/k²)Σ_l(2l+1)sin²δ_l. Matching the regular radial solution to free exterior waves determines the phase shifts.
Values and equations
f(θ)=(1/k)Σ_l(2l+1)e^(iδ_l)sinδ_l P_l(cosθ); σ_el=(4π/k²)Σ_l(2l+1)sin²δ_l
- f
- Elastic amplitude m
- k
- Exterior wavenumber m⁻¹
- σ_el
- Elastic cross section m²
- θ,δ_l
- Scattering angle and phase shift rad
- l
- Nonnegative integer orbital label
- P_l,S_l
- Dimensionless Legendre polynomial and channel scattering factor
Conditions and scope
- Stationary nonrelativistic distinguishable spinless elastic scattering, real spherical potential, outgoing condition, positive exterior wavenumber and convergent partial-wave expansion.
- Only the elastic one-channel assumptions give real δ_l and unit-modulus S_l. Absorption, spin-coupled channels, identical-particle symmetry or Coulomb tails require their own expansions.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Richard Fitzpatrick / University of Texas at Austin2 sources
Evidence and review
Quantum Mechanics (2016): Partial waves: Equations 10.54–10.55, 10.79–10.86 and 10.88: radial matching, amplitude, S_l and elastic flux conservation. Quantum Mechanics (2016): Optical theorem: Equations 10.89 and 10.91–10.92: integrated partial-wave cross section and its unitarity bound.
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Entry details
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