The investigation of scattering phenomena is a major theme of modern physics. A scattered particle provides a dynamical probe of the target system. The practical problem of interest here is the scattering of a low energy electron by an N-electron atom. It has been difficult in this area of study to achieve theoretical results that are even qualitatively correct, yet quantitative accuracy is often needed as an adjunct to experiment. The present book describes a quantitative theoretical method, or class of methods, that has been applied effectively to this problem. Quantum mechanical theory relevant to the scattering of an electron by an N-electron atom, which may gain or lose energy in the process, is summarized in Chapter 1. The variational theory itself is presented in Chapter 2, both as currently used and in forms that may facilitate future applications. The theory of multichannel resonance and threshold effects, which provide a rich structure to observed electron-atom scattering data, is presented in Chapter 3. Practical details of the computational implementation of the variational theory are given in Chapter 4. Chapters 5 and 6 summarize recent appli cations of the variational theory to problems of experimental interest, with many examples of the successful interpretation of complex structural fea tures observed in scattering experiments, and of the quantitative prediction of details of electron-atom scattering phenomena.

This monograph was written while the author was a visitor at the Center for Theoretical Studies at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. The author wishes to thank Professor Behram Kursunoglu for the warm hospitality extended to him at the Center and to acknowledge the many interesting and fruitful discussions which he had with other visitors and with members of staff at the Center. Philip G. Burke v Contents 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Scattering by a Short-Range Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3. Scattering by a Coulomb Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4. Scattering by a Spin-Orbit Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " 17 5. Scattering by One-Electron Atoms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 6. Low-Energy Effective-Range Theory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 7. Bound States and Resonances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 8. Variational Methods and Bound Principles. . . . . . . . . . 75 9. Integral Equation Methods and the Born Approximation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 10. Semiclassical and Eikonal Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Appendix. The Coupling of Angular Momenta . . . . . . . . . . . 127 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 vii 1 Introduction In this monograph we study the scattering of a particle by a potential field with particular reference to elastic electron scat tering by a neutral atom or by an ion. This subject is clearly of interest in its own right as a branch of quantum mechanical scattering theory. However, it also serves as an introduction to many of the basic theoretical concepts which are used in inelastic electron scattering and ionization. Consequently this mono graph can be viewed as an introduction to texts where these subjects are treated.

The authors aim to hone the theory of electron-atom and electron-ion collisions by developing mathematical equations and comparing their results to the wealth of recent experimental data. This first of three parts focuses on potential scattering, and will serve as an introduction to many of the concepts covered in Parts II and III. As these processes occur in so many of the physical sciences, researchers in astrophysics, atmospheric physics, plasma physics, and laser physics will all benefit from the monograph.

This book brings together the essential ideas and methods behind applications of variational theory in theoretical physics and chemistry. The emphasis is on understanding physical and computational applications of variational methodology rather than on rigorous mathematical formalism. The text begins with an historical survey of familiar variational principles in classical mechanics and optimization theory, then proceeds to develop the variational principles and formalism behind current computational methodology for bound and continuum quantum states of interacting electrons in atoms, molecules, and condensed matter. It covers multiple-scattering theory, including a detailed presentation of contemporary methodology for electron-impact rotational and vibrational excitation of molecules. The book ends with an introduction to the variational theory of relativistic fields. Ideal for graduate students and researchers in any field that uses variational methodology, this book is particularly suitable as a backup reference for lecture courses in mathematical methods in physics and theoretical chemistry.

This volume addresses the broad formal aspects and applications of the quantum theory of scattering in atomic and nuclear collisions. An encyclopedic source of pioneering work, it serves as a text for students and a reference for professionals in the fields of chemistry, physics, and astrophysics. The self-contained treatment begins with the general theory of scattering of a particle by a central field. Subsequent chapters explore particle scattering by a non-central field, collisions between composite particles, the time-dependent theory of scattering, and nuclear reactions. An examination of dispersion relations concludes the text. Numerous graphs, tables, and footnotes illuminate each chapter, in addition to helpful appendixes and bibliographies.