Lippmann schwinger Equation, derivation

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    Derivation
In summary, we are evaluating the operator <x|(E-H0±ε)^-1|x'> using the given expressions for the matrix elements <p'|x> and <x|p">. After performing the necessary integrations, we arrive at the correct expression <p'|x> = e^iPx/ħ for both (1) and (2), with (2) most likely being a typo in Sakurai.
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[tex] \langle \mathbf{x} \vert \dfrac{1}{E- H_{0} \pm \varepsilon} \vert \mathbf{x'} \rangle = [/tex]

[tex]\int d^{3}p' \int d^{3}p'' \langle \mathbf{x} \vert \mathbf{p'} \rangle \mathbf{p'} \vert \dfrac{1}{E- H_{0} \pm i\varepsilon} \vert \mathbf{p''} \rangle \langle \mathbf{p''} \vert \mathbf{x'} \rangle [/tex]

Operator, acts to the left in this case.
[tex]H_0 = \dfrac{\mathbf{p}}{2m}[/tex]

Evaluating the parts in the integral:

[tex]\langle \mathbf{p'} \vert \dfrac{1}{E- H_{0} \pm \varepsilon} \vert \mathbf{p''} \rangle = [/tex]


[tex]\dfrac{\delta ^{(3)} (\mathbf{p'} - \mathbf{p''} )}{E- \frac{\mathbf{p'}}{2m} \pm i\varepsilon} [/tex]


[tex]\langle \mathbf{x} \vert \mathbf{p'} \rangle = \dfrac{e^{i\mathbf{x}\mathbf{p'}}}{(2 \pi \hbar)^{3/2}} [/tex]


[tex]\langle \mathbf{p''} \vert \mathbf{x'} \rangle = \dfrac{e^{-i\mathbf{x'}\mathbf{p''}}}{(2 \pi \hbar)^{3/2}} [/tex] (1)

Now this last line is wrong (?), it should be:
[tex]\langle \mathbf{p''} \vert \mathbf{x'} \rangle = \dfrac{e^{-i\mathbf{x'}\mathbf{p'}}}{(2 \pi \hbar)^{3/2}} [/tex] (2)
According to Sakurai p381, eq (7.1.14)

the integral should become this one when integrating with respect to p''

[tex]\int d^{3}p' \dfrac{e^{i \mathbf{p'}( \mathbf{x}- \mathbf{x'})}}{E- \frac{ \mathbf{p'}}{2m} \pm i\varepsilon}[/tex] (3)

If would have continue with my expression for <p''|x'> (1)

[tex] \int d^{3}p'' \delta ^{(3)}( \mathbf{p'} - \mathbf{p''}) e^{-i\mathbf{x'}\mathbf{p''}}
= e^{-i \mathbf{x'} \mathbf{p'}} [/tex] (4)

Which yields the same result?

Can someone please give some Ideas on this one.

I am unsure if my expression for <p''|x'> is right, and if it is right, if I get the final result (3), and i (4) is right too.
 
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  • #2
Nope, the eq (1) is not wrong and yes, you get the right result after an integration wrt p". So equation (3) is the right one and it follows after using (4) , (1), and the matrix element involving delta.

And of course (4) is right as well, since it's a simple integration using the delta functional.

(2) is wrong and (1) is correct. If you've seen (2) in Sakurai, it must be a typo.
 
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  • #3
Thanx alot, and alos thanks a lot for your quick answer!

But you are telling me that both (1) and (2) is right, how come? This part I do not understand.. =/
 

FAQ: Lippmann schwinger Equation, derivation

What is the Lippmann-Schwinger equation and what is its significance?

The Lippmann-Schwinger equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the scattering of a particle by a potential. It allows us to calculate the probability of a particle being scattered at a certain angle, and is important in understanding various physical phenomena such as nuclear reactions and electron scattering.

How is the Lippmann-Schwinger equation derived?

The Lippmann-Schwinger equation is derived by solving the Schrödinger equation for the scattering problem, using the Born approximation and applying boundary conditions. This results in an integral equation that relates the scattering amplitude to the potential and the incident wave function.

What are the assumptions made in the derivation of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation?

The derivation of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation assumes that the potential is spherically symmetric, the scattering is elastic, and the incident particle is a plane wave. It also assumes that the potential is localized and does not vary significantly over the range of the particle's wavelength.

How does the Lippmann-Schwinger equation relate to scattering experiments?

The Lippmann-Schwinger equation provides a theoretical framework for understanding the results of scattering experiments. By solving the equation, we can determine the scattering amplitude and use it to calculate the differential cross section, which is the measurable quantity in scattering experiments.

Are there any applications of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation outside of quantum mechanics?

While the Lippmann-Schwinger equation is most commonly used in quantum mechanics, it has also been applied in other fields such as nuclear physics, solid-state physics, and astrophysics. It has also been extended to describe the scattering of particles with spin and to include relativistic effects.

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