Calculating Scattering Amplitude in Born Approx.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating scattering amplitudes for spherically symmetric potentials using the Born approximation. The user references the Green's function, specifically G(r) = -\frac{1}{4\pi}\frac{e^{ikr}}{r}, and the incoming plane wave function ψ₀(𝑟) = e^{ikz}. The user clarifies that the scattering amplitude function f(θ, φ) is indeed dependent on the unit vector in the radial direction, not the position vector, resolving a common misunderstanding in the interpretation of the notation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly scattering theory.
  • Familiarity with the Born approximation in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of Green's functions and their application in solving differential equations.
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus and spherical coordinates.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Born approximation in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about Green's functions in the context of quantum scattering problems.
  • Explore the mathematical treatment of scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory.
  • Investigate the implications of spherical symmetry in potential scattering scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and scattering theory, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Born approximation and its applications in theoretical physics.

Unkraut
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Homework Statement


I'm supposed to calculate the scattering amplitudes of some spherically symmetric potentials in the Born approximation and just trying to figure out how that works in general and what a scattering amplitude is actually.


Homework Equations


1+1=2


The Attempt at a Solution


Reading this page http://electron6.phys.utk.edu/QM2/modules/m7/born.htm, I understand the following:
With an incoming plane wave \psi_0(\vec r)=e^{ikz} and a potential V(r)=\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}U(r) the solution can be written as \psi(\vec r)=\psi_0(\vec r)+\int G(\vec r-\vec r')U(r')\psi(r')d^3r where the Green's function G takes the form G(\vec r)=G(r)=-\frac{1}{4\pi}\frac{e^{ikr}}{r} and for big r we have G(\vec r-\vec r')=-\frac{1}{4\pi}\frac{e^{ikr}}{r}e^{-ik\vec r \cdot \vec r'}.
Now \psi(\vec r)=e^{ikz}-\frac{1}{4\pi}\frac{e^{ikr}}{r}\int e^{-ik\vec r \cdot \vec r'}U(r')\phi(\vec r')d^3r'=e^{ikz}+f(\theta, \phi)e^{ikr}{r} ?
That means f(\theta, \phi)=-\frac{1}{4\pi}\int e^{-ik\vec r \cdot \vec r'}U(r')\phi(\vec r')d^3r'. But this is dependent on r, isn't it? In other sources I find rougly the same, with no explanation why this is considered independent of r. In my eyes that looks just wrong. Physics is strange.
 
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Ah, I see. It's not \vec r but \hat r, i.e. the unit vector in radial direction. I misinterpreted the notation. Right?
 

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