Impact Parameter Representation of the Scattering Amplitude

Abstract

From the Lippmann–Schwinger equation, the exact and different approximate relations for the impact parameter form of the total scattering amplitude on- and off-the-energy shell are derived. The relation between the impact parameter phase shift and the range of potential is studied, and several methods of determining the potential from the impact parameter phase shift for local, nonlocal, and energy dependent interactions are obtained in Blankenbecler and Goldberger's approximation. By considering solvable examples it is shown that the Glauber's approximation, in certain cases, may be valid for all scattering angles. Finally for completely elastic scattering or for a purely absorptive potential, methods of finding the impact parameter phase shift from the differential cross section for scattering are given.