Angular momentum structure of the scattering phase shift

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.12771· OSTI ID:5225927

Leacock, R A

The partial-wave analysis of the quantum-mechanical scattering of a particle by a spherically symmetric potential is considered for continuous angular momentum, in contrast to the usual treatment where the angular momentum is discrete. Numerical illustrations of the scattering phase shift as a function of real, continuous angular momentum are presented. The scattering phase shift is calculated for Yukawa and exponential potentials of various strengths and ranges, and the properties of the phase shift (considered as a function of real, continuous angular momentum) are linked to the bound states and resonances of the quantum-mechanical system. Considering the phase shift as a function of continuous angular momentum eliminates the need to consider an infinite number of individual phase shifts and thus significantly simplifies the partial- wave description of the particle motion.

• Research Organization: Ames Laboratory and Department of Physics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-82
• OSTI ID: 5225927
• Journal Information: Am. J. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 50:7; ISSN AJPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

645500 -- High Energy Physics-- Scattering Theory-- (-1987)
657002* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Classical & Quantum Mechanics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
MECHANICS
PARTIAL WAVES
PHASE SHIFT
QUANTUM MECHANICS
SCATTERING