Resonance Widths and Unitarity

Abstract

The low energy neutron cross section of 135Xe is analyzed using both the R-matrix theory of Wigner and Eisenbud and the S-matrix theory of Humblet and Rosenfeld. Particular attention is given to the role played by the total resonance level width for it is well known that the R-matrix widths are energy dependent but the S-matrix widths are not. This different energy dependence leads to different analytic forms for the cross section and the n + 135Xe reaction offers what may be the simplest and best physical example for comparing these two forms. To the accuracy of the present data the difference is not detectable. The different energy dependence of the resonance widths is shown to be related to unitarity. A general proof that the R-matrix formalism is always unitary is given. The difficulty of satisfying unitarity in the S-matrix formalism is discussed and it is shown for the n + 135Xe reactions that this can lead to physically unacceptable solutions. This "lack of unitarity" does not, however, lead to any difficulties in fitting the present experimental data.