Group theory approach to scattering. III: Realistic models (Q1111713)

Potentials that asymptotically fall off to zero give rise to scattering. At infinity (in n dimensions), their symmetry group is the Euclidean group E(n), and their asymptotic eigenstates are expressed in terms of incoming and outgoing plane waves whose coefficients define the scattering matrix of the potential, associated to the rotation subgroup labels, as functions of energy. The ``Euclidean connection'' developed here and in two preceding papers [Ann. Phys. 148, 346-380 (1983; Zbl 0526.22018) and 167, 181-200 (1986; Zbl 0601.22018)] shows that this fact is sufficient to predict a general form for the scattering matrix elements. When the potential itself has a pseudo-orthogonal symmetry group SO(n,1), as in the case of the scattering Coulomb potential, the scattering matrix is further determined in its angular momentum and energy dependence. Further, when as in the case of the Pöschl-Teller potential [\textit{A. Frank} and \textit{K. B. Wolf}, J. Math. Phys. 26, 973- 983 (1985; Zbl 0604.22015)], families of such potentials may be related by Lie algebras such as so(2,1) that are deformations of a ``potential'' e(2) Lie algebra. [Confusion exists between Lie algebras and groups in this and the previous articles; this is of no import to the results, however.] The shift operators relate potentials of different strengths or forms. This leads the authors to present a general scheme whereby the e(2)\(\oplus e(n)\) algebra is deformed to an so(2,n) dynamical algebra for potentials whose scattering matrix is thereby determined when a ``starting'' potential is provided. Application of this technique to the Coulomb \((n=3)\) potential yields scattering amplitudes whose angular and energy dependencies, for certain parameters, reproduce rather realistically the overall pattern of heavy-ion collision and scattering, that is asymptotically Coulombian (and Euclidean), but that at short distances is modified by absorbing nuclear interactions.