Comments on the formal theory of scattering and relaxation

A. Ben-Reuven*, S. Mukamel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

A tetradic scattering matrix formalism is proposed as a comprehensive framework for describing scattering and relaxation processes of both stationary and non-stationary systems. In the latter case (realized by the scattering of the molecular-maser beam) ordinary dyadic T-matrix formalism involving on-the-energy-shell scattering amplitudes is inadequate, the introduction of off-the-shell elements being required. Expressions are given relating the tetradic T-matrix elements to various scattering and attenuation rates (or cross sections). The relation to the tetradic level-shift operator in relaxation (linear response) theory is discussed. Photon absorption is presented as the successive occurrence of a scattering and a relaxation process, from the point of view of this formalism.

Original languageEnglish
Article number016
Pages (from-to)1313-1327
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Physics A: Mathematical and General
Volume8
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1975

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