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  Is the dispersion (of electron) just the usual scattering problem?

+ 2 like - 0 dislike
1317 views

The dispersion phenomenon has a completely wave description while, it seems that, the scattering is a particle phenomenon. Please note that, the question is not about the wave-particle duality. Can we reach the dispersion pattern by using the usual scattering theory? If yes, how can we define a cross-section here and what is its interpretation?

asked May 18, 2016 in Theoretical Physics by RM (10 points) [ revision history ]
edited May 18, 2016 by RM

1 Answer

+ 0 like - 0 dislike

Scattering is primarily not a particle problem, but a wave problem. Both water waves and sound waves scatter at an obstacle! You can find everything about classical scattering in

Ramm, Alexander G. Scattering by an Obstacle. Springer Netherlands, 1986.

and

P. Gaspard, Chaos, scattering and statistical mechanics, Cambridge 1998

Particles can scatter because of quantum mechanics only, where they are described as waves.

answered May 19, 2016 by Arnold Neumaier (15,787 points) [ revision history ]
edited May 20, 2016 by Arnold Neumaier

Thanks Arnold for your answer.

commented May 19, 2016 by RM (10 points) [ no revision ]

@RM: I added another book.

commented May 20, 2016 by Arnold Neumaier (15,787 points) [ no revision ]

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