Semiclassical description of scattering

Journal Article · Mon Apr 10 04:00:00 EDT 2000 · Annals of Physics (New York)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1006/aphy.2000.6018· OSTI ID:20216987

Ford, Kenneth W ^[1]; Wheeler, John A ^[2]

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1. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (United States)
2. Palmer Physical Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (United States)

The quantum-mechanical scattering amplitude can be simply related to the classical deflection function when the conditions for a semiclassical analysis of the quantum-mechanical scattering are met. Various interesting characteristic features of the scattering are related to special features of the classical deflection function. The characteristic types of scattering discussed are: interference, when the deflection function possesses more than one branch at a given angle; rainbow scattering, when the deflection function has a relative maximum or minimum; glory scattering, when the deflection function passes smoothly through 0 degree sign or through an integral multiple of {+-}{pi}; and orbiting, when the deflection function possesses a singularity. The consideration of the characteristic features of semiclassical scattering makes possible the analysis of an observed differential cross section to yield the classical deflection function, which in turn may be used to construct the potential. (c) 2000 Academic Press, Inc.

• OSTI ID: 20216987
• Journal Information: Annals of Physics (New York), Journal Name: Annals of Physics (New York) Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 281; ISSN 0003-4916; ISSN APNYA6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
SCATTERING AMPLITUDES
SEMICLASSICAL APPROXIMATION
THEORETICAL DATA
WKB APPROXIMATION