Discuss why quantum theory of scattering should be

modified for Coulomb scattering. Find the expression for

modified amplitude and hence scattering cross-section.
Discuss the modification needed in the classical
Rutherford formula, introducing oscillating factor.
The case of Coulomb potential is special because the
potential,
1

turn off at infinity rather slowly!

The quantum theory of scattering

assumes that the potential die quickly enough to justify

the asymptotic form!
The asymptotic behavior is NOT valid for Coulomb
potential. Coulomb potential is long ranged, and hence
distort the wavefunction even at large distances.
Therefore we need revision of this issue.
As usual, we go back to Schrodinger equation at first.
As usual, we go back to Schrodinger equation at first.

Here q and q’ are the charges of the colliding particles.

Let us assume,
4

Substituting (4)
and (5) in (3),
you get, Here, 5
Substituting (4) and (5) in (3), you get,

We need to assume solution of this equation in such a

way that the quantum theory of scattering should be
modified to satisfy arguments of Coulomb scattering!
Let us assume (ansatz),

It is a plane wave in z-direction with amplitude F(x), then

Substituting this in (6)

HW
 7

Again, we introduce

Substituting these in
equation (7)

This is confluent hypergeometric equation. Its

solution is, 8
Therefore, the general solution is,
9

Here C is arbitrary overall normalization factor. The

exact solutions are called Coulomb Harmonics.
We know that,

10

11

Using (11), our general solution takes this form:

 12

Now we have,
13

Substituting (13)
and (14) in (12), we
Similarly, get,

14
We have,

15
Lets assume, q represents angle between r and z, i.e.,

16

Introducing angle in (15),

Rearranging this equation, you get,

17
The long range coulomb potential distorts even the
incident wave at large distance. An additional variable
phase iB ln k(r-z) appears in Yinc and –iB ln kr in YSC!
Therefore, eq. (17) represents modified quantum theory of
scattering for coulomb interaction.
Here, f(q) is given by,
HW 18

To find amplitude of the scattering we have normalized

the incident beam to one particle per unit volume by
taking 19
Scattering cross-section is given by,

20

This is our classical Rutherford formula for nuclei

scattering.
This discussion is only for the scattering of a particle
by a static potential. In practice, a potential is
generated by another particle, i.e., we need to discuss
two-to-two scattering problem.
Two particles move before and after scattering in
opposite directions in the center-of-mass system:
q

p- q

Being identical, detector can not distinguish between the

particles scattered by angle q and p-q. It is therefore, the
quantum theory of scattering takes this form:

Scattering cross-section is given by, 21

22
 23

Here R is called oscillating factor, given by,

24

Here D is given by,

25

Equation (23) differs from classical Rutherford formula

by the oscillating factor R. There is an interference
between the two scattered waves!
For heavy particles, B is large and the oscillations are
clearly observed at low energies!
Use partial wave method and discuss the conditions
for Ramsauer-Townsend effect in a square well
potential.
 a mathematical physicist who conducted
various studies concerning the electrical
conduction of gases (concerning the kinetics
of electrons and ions) and directly measured
the electrical charge. He was Professor of
physics at Oxford.

Ramsauer–Townsend effect

He pioneered the field of electron and

proton collisions with gas molecules.
 The Ramsauer–Townsend effect, is a physical phenomenon
involving the scattering of low-energy electrons by atoms of
a noble gas.

Transmitted Argon
2 eV Electron Gun
Gas (low energy
e.g. 1-3 eV)

Transmitted
2 eV

When electrons move through a gas, its interactions with the

gas atoms cause scattering to occur. These are classified as
inelastic if they cause excitation or ionization of the atom to
occur and elastic if they do not.
 The Ramsauer–Townsend effect, is a physical phenomenon
involving the scattering of low-energy electrons by atoms of
a noble gas.

Transmitted Argon
2 eV Electron Gun
Gas (low energy
e.g. 1-3 eV)

Transmitted
2 eV

Because noble gas atoms have a relatively high first ionization

energy and the electrons do not carry enough energy to cause
excited electronic states, ionization and excitation of the atom are
unlikely, and the probability of elastic scattering over all angles is
approximately equal to the probability of collision.
 The Ramsauer–Townsend effect, is a physical phenomenon
involving the scattering of low-energy electrons by atoms of
a noble gas.

Transmitted Argon
2 eV Electron Gun
Gas (low energy
e.g. 1-3 eV)

Transmitted
2 eV

Interestingly it is seen that the particular energy is allowed to

transmit without interaction! The result of this experiment was
surprising !! No classical theory able to explain this effect!!!

Its explanation requires wave theory of quantum mechanics.

The low energy electrons easily enter to the Argon atom,
crossing the barrier of electronic states without loosing
energy because of the attractive well of the Argon-nuclei.

+
 SQUARE POTENTIAL BARRIER
E>V E<V
V(x)
E>V

E<V

X
-a 0 a

4E ( E - V ) 4 E (V - E )
T T
4 E ( E - V )  V 2 sin 2 (2 Ka) 4 E (V - E )  V 2 sinh 2 (2 Ka)

Here we discuss the case when E > V

 SQUARE POTENTIAL BARRIER
E>V E>V V(x) E>V
T would be T would be
maximum (i.e., minimum (i.e.,
T = 1) if T = Tmin) if
Sin2(2Ka) = 0 X
Sin2(2Ka) = 1
-a 0 a

4E ( E - V ) 4E ( E - V )
T T
4 E ( E - V )  V 2 sin 2 (2 Ka) 4E ( E - V )  V 2

There is always finite possibilities of

Sin2(2Ka) = 0 transmission if E > V. The condition of
i.e., 2Ka = np transparent barrier is called
i.e., 2a = L = np/K transmission resonance.
Thus, the barrier becomes transparent when L = np/K, i.e., at
L = 0, p/K, 2p/K, 3p/K, ……..
 SQUARE POTENTIAL BARRIER
E>V E>V V(x) E>V
For T = 1 l: beam wavelength! For T = 1
We know
Sin2(2Ka) = 0 K = w/c = 2p /l
i.e., 2Ka = np Since,
X K = np /L
i.e., 2a = L -a 0 a Thus,
= np/K When the width of the barrier is L = nl /2
T integral multiple of l/2, the
barrier becomes transparent!
Tmax = 1 For T → 1
The wave
packet
spends
relatively long
For T → 1 time in the
l= 2L if n = 1 Tmin region 2!
4E ( E - V )
∞ L-1 T
4E ( E - V )  V 2
t∞L 0 p/2K p/K 3p/2K 2p/K 5p/2K 3p/K L
 SQUARE POTENTIAL BARRIER
E>V V(x) E>V
The oscillatory
nature of the
transmission
coefficient can be E<V
seen if we plot X
between T and E/V. -a 0 a
T

scattered

0
E/V
 The low energy electrons easily enter to the Argon atom,
crossing the barrier of electronic states without loosing
energy because of the attractive well of the Argon-nuclei.
The square barrier becomes square well if V is replaced by –V
in equation: 4E ( E - V )
T
4 E ( E - V )  V 2 sin 2 (2 Ka)

4E( E  V ) 1
T  1
4 E ( E  V )  V sin ( Kl )
2 2
V 2
1 sin 2 ( Kl )
4E(E  V )
If sin Kl = 0, or, Kl = np, or, l = np/K = nl/2
The incident particle is transmitted over the wall as if the wall
does not exist (T = 1). This result provides a simple
explanation of R-T effect observed in the low energy
scattering of electrons by the rare gas atoms.
 Ramsauer and Townsend observed that for slow-moving
electrons in argon, krypton, or xenon, the probability of
collision between the electrons and gas atoms obtains a
minimum value for electrons with a certain amount of kinetic
energy (about 1 electron volts for xenon gas). This is the
Ramsauer–Townsend effect.

No good explanation for the phenomenon existed until the

introduction of quantum mechanics, which explains that the
effect results from the wave-like properties of the electron. A
simple model of the collision that makes use of wave theory
can predict the existence of the Ramsauer-Townsend
minimum. Bohm presents one such model that considers the
atom as a finite square potential well.
Good Luck