Application of variational principle to scattering problems (Q2439431)

In the present paper, the authors develop a simple and straightforward calculating scheme for electron-impact single and multiple ionization of atoms. The case of the scattered electron as a particle moving in an effective field created by the nucleus of a target together with the ejected electrons is considered. The main feature of the treatment developed in the present paper is that the effective charge experienced by the scattered electron is determined by the Hulthén-Kohn dynamical variational principle for the scattering amplitude. Such an approach enables the authors to determine the effective charge mathematically in a rigorous way excluding any empirical assumptions. The determination of the effective charges is based on the exact quantum-mechanical principles, without any empirical assumptions. The set of equations for the effective charges can be solved analytically, and the results can be obtained in explicit form. The abstract results are illustrated by the numerical study of the effective charge versus the ejecting angle.