Relativistic Heavy-Particle Collision Theory

by Derrick S.F. Crothers

Overview

If a heavy particle ion (atom, molecule, muon) collides with another in the gas phase at speeds approaching the speed of light, the time-dependent Dirac equation equation must be used for its description, including quantum electro-dynamic, special relativity and magnetic coupling effects.
In this book we study one electron in the variety of rearrangement collisions: radiative and non-radiative capture, ionization, capture by pair (one electron, one positron) production and antihydrogen production. Our relativistic continuum distorted-wave theory accounts extremely well for the simultaneous behaviour of the electron with respect to the nuclear charges of the projectile and the target.
This is the first book developed in this subject. Containing many diagrams and tables, and fully referenced, it goes beyond chapters in previous books. The relativistic continuum distorted-wave theory developed by the authors group, is shown to be fully Hermitean. Detailed mathematics are provided in nine appendices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306464249
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	09/30/2000
Series:	Physics of Atoms and Molecules Series
Edition description:	2000
Pages:	311
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. Heavy-Particle Ion-Atom Collisions. 2. Relativistic Electron Capture. 3. Second-Order Theories. 4. Radiative Electron Capture. 5. Relativistic Ionization. 6. Relativistic Continuum Distorted Waves. 7. Processes Involving Pair Production. Appendices: A- Thomas Double Spacing. B- RCDW Bethe-integrals. C- Eikonal Integrals. D- The relativistic field-free propagator. E- Asymptotic formulae. F- The Relativistic Impulse Approximation. G- RDWB Matrix Elements. H- Continuity Relation. I- Matrix Element Checks. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Crothers (theoretical and computational physics, Queens U., Belfast) looks primarily at collisions between ions and atoms, but also between other heavy particles in which the longitudinal relative motion of the nuclei is treated within the impact parameter treatment and special relativity. He uses the Dirac equation to describe the motion of the electron quantum mechanically, and solves it within various approximations, including the relativistic Born, distorted-wave Born, and relativistic continuum distorted-wave models; for electron capture; radiative electron capture; ionization; and capture by pair production. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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