Scattering cross section
Normalize a scattering rate by incident flux.
Key knowledge
A cross section relates incident flux to interaction rate, and a differential cross section resolves outgoing solid angle. For the stated elastic nonrelativistic potential-scattering convention, dσ/dΩ = |f(θ,φ)|².
Values and equations
dσ/dΩ = |f(θ,φ)|²; σ = ∫ (dσ/dΩ)dΩ
- σ
- Total cross section for the specified process m²
- dσ/dΩ
- Differential cross section m² sr⁻¹
- f
- Scattering amplitude in the stated convention m
- θ, φ
- Outgoing direction angles rad
- dΩ
- Solid angle element sr
Conditions and scope
- Use a specified channel, energy, incident state and normalization; f is the far-field amplitude for a short-range potential decaying faster than 1/r.
- Cross section need not equal geometric target area; long-range Coulomb scattering requires its own treatment.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Sections 5–6 and equation 15: normalized differential cross section; asymptotic potential qualification near equation 77.
2026-10-10 · Definition plus stated elastic-potential amplitude convention only; inclusive collider rates and long-range regularization excluded.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-scattering-cross-section
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion