Induced scalar electric potential

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the induced scalar electric potential as described by Poisson's equation, specifically in the context of ion interactions with an electron gas. The derived formula for the induced scalar potential is given as \phi^{induced}_{q, \omega}= \frac{8\pi^2 Z}{q^2} \delta(\omega - q v)(\frac{1}{\epsilon} - 1). The energy loss per unit time, W, is expressed as W = \int \frac{d^3q}{(2\pi)^3} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{d\omega}{2\pi} 2 \omega Z Im[-\phi^{induced}]. The necessity of the imaginary part in the final result is questioned, with references made to the complex nature of the dielectric constant and resistive dissipation in conducting media.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poisson's equation and its applications in electrostatics.
  • Familiarity with Fourier transforms in the context of physics.
  • Knowledge of dielectric materials and their properties, particularly complex dielectric constants.
  • Basic concepts of energy loss mechanisms in ion interactions with matter.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of complex dielectric constants in condensed matter physics.
  • Research the role of imaginary components in potential energy calculations.
  • Examine the publication "Dynamic Screening of Ions in Condensed Matter" by Echenique, Flores, and Ritschie for deeper insights.
  • Explore the publication "Interaction of Slow Ions with Matter" by Echenique, Nagy, and Arnau for additional context and examples.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in condensed matter physics, and students studying ion interactions with materials will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on energy loss mechanisms and dielectric properties.

nykon
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hi Forum!

I have got a question about the induced scalar potential. I will present the problem from beginning.

Lets say we have a Poisson's equation in form:

[itex]\epsilon \nabla^2 \phi = -4\pi \varrho(r,t)[/itex]

where [itex]\epsilon[/itex] is the dielectric constant. By use of the Fourier transform:

[itex]f(r,t) = \int \frac{d^3q}{(2\pi)^3} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{d\omega}{2\pi} e^{i(qr-\omega t)}f(q, \omega)[/itex],

(where [itex]q[/itex] is the momentum, and [itex]\omega[/itex] is the energy) one can write:

[itex]\phi_{q, \omega}= \frac{4\pi \varrho_{q, \omega}}{q^2 \epsilon}[/itex]

where [itex]\varrho_{q, \omega} = 2\pi Z \delta(\omega - q v)[/itex], v is the velocity of the incident ion.

Now if we assume that the incident ion is moving through the electron gas we can write the induced scalar potential in form:

[itex]\phi^{induced}_{q, \omega}= \frac{8\pi^2 Z}{q^2} \delta(\omega - q v)(\frac{1}{\epsilon} - 1)[/itex]

Now the energy loss per unit time W is:

[itex]W = - Z v E^{induced}, \qquad E^{induced} = -\nabla \phi^{induced}[/itex]

the final result is:

[itex]W = \int \frac{d^3q}{(2\pi)^3} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{d\omega}{2\pi} 2 \omega Z Im[-\phi^{induced}][/itex],

My question is: why I need the imaginary part in the final result of the induced scalar potential? The result is taken from the "dynamic screening of ions in condensed matter" written by Echenique, Flores and Ritschie. I just do not understand the last formula. I will be gratefull for any tip or advise.


nykon
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The dielectric constant is complex, right? The ion is moving through an electron gas, which is a conducting medium. And W, the energy loss per unit time, is due to resistive dissipation. Anyway, I'm thinking that the previous line where W is given in terms of E should have an imaginary part on it also.
 
Thats why I am confused. I really don't know why in the "final" equation the [itex]Im(-\phi_{q,w})[/itex] appears. Why we "cut" the Re part? These textbook is available online, but I guess one has to pay for it.

Another publication where one can find these formulas is: "Interaction of Slow Ions with Matter" written by Echenique, Nagy and Arnau http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qua.560360854/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+9+July+from+10-12+BST+for+monthly+maintenance"

I have found a loot of publications from 1955 to 2002 where people use just the same notation, "way of thinking" and even steps are similar.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K