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American Journal of Physics

Classical Limit of Scattering in a 1/r2 Potential

Boris J. Kayser

Published Nov 1, 1974• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The classical cross section for scattering by a 1/r2 potential is linear in the strength of the potential, while from the Born approximation to quantum mechanics one might expect it to be quadratic. To resolve this puzzle, we explicitly carry out the passage to the classical limit of the quantum-mechanical partial-wave series for this potential. In the process, we discover the conditions under which quantum scattering becomes classical; under these conditions the Born approximation is not applicable.

DOI
10.1119/1.1987905

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The classical cross section for scattering by a 1/r2 potential is linear in the strength of the potential, while from the Born approximation to quantum mechanics one might expect it to be quadratic. To resolve this puzzle, we explicitly carry out the passage to the classical limit of the quantum-mechanical partial-wave series for this potential. In the process, we discover the conditions under which quantum scattering becomes classical; under these conditions the Born approximation is not applicable.
A development of the scattering amplitude in potential scattering which is based upon replacing a smooth potential by a sequence of potential steps is given. The Schrödinger equation is solved exactly in each interval over which the potential is constant and by matching boundary conditions an expression relating the coefficients of two linearly independent solutions at small radius to those at large radius is found. From this the scattering amplitude is calculated. The limits of validity are found to be dependent upon the value of the expression (r/2)ddrln(2mℏ2[E−V]). Limiting cases of the amplitude are shown to be a modified WKB approximation and the Born approximation. A particular application to the Yukawa potential is discussed. The discussion is restricted to attractive potentials.
A unified description of classical and quantal scattering is presented. This description is unified both in the mathematical language and in the conceptual pictures that are used. Statistical states and observables, represented in phase space, are emphasized while both the time dependent trajectory and stationary state beam pictures are used. Semiclassical-type approximation schemes to the generalized differential cross section are presented for the single and double potential cases. Connection is made with the Born and distorted wave Born approximations, for both quantum and classical mechanics. A similar semiclassical-type approximation scheme for the double potential internal state kinetic cross section is presented. Connection is also made with the 'constant acceleration approximation' of Oppenheim and Bloom. Zwanzig's projection operator method is used to express the kinetic cross sections in terms of memory effects for the interacting observables.
Rutherford classical scattering theory, as its quantum mechanical analogue, is modified for scattering cross-section and the impact parameter by using quantum mechanical momentum, (de Broglie hypothesis), energy relationship for matter oscillator (Einstein’s oscillator) and quantum mechanical wave vectors, and , respectively. It is observed that the quantum mechanical scattering cross-section and the impact parameter depended on inverse square law of quantum action (Planck’s constant). Born approximation is revisited for quantum mechanical scattering. Using Bessel and Neumann asymptotic functions and response of nuclear surface potential barrier, born approximations were modified. The coulombic fields inside the nucleus of the atom are studied for reflection and transmission with corresponding wave vectors, phase shifts and eigenfunctions Bulk quantum mechanical tunneling and reflection scattering, both for ruptured and unruptured nucleus of the atom, are deciphered with corresponding wave vectors, phase shifts and eigenfunction. Similar calculation ware accomplished for quantum surface tunneling and reflection scattering with corresponding wave vectors, phase shifts and eigenfunctions. Such diverse quantum mechanical scattering cross-section with corresponding wave vectors for tunneling and reflection, phase shifts and eigenfunctions will pave a new dimension to understanding the behavior of exchange fields in the nucleus of the atom with insides layers both ruptured and unruptured. Phase shifts, δl for each of the energy profile (partial) will be different and indeed their corresponding wave vectors for exchange energy eigenvalues.
The theory of scattering is a very important part of the quantum mechanics.The Born approximation and Eikonal approximation of the Scattering cross-section are calculated with the Gauss potential and Lenz-jensen potential under a particular incident energy.The results show that the bigger the Electronic energy is,the smaller the total scattering crossection is and the weaker the electron scattering of potential field is.There is little influence of potential to the energetic particle about the Lenz-jensen potential.And the majority of scattered particles are concentrated on a narrow range.