Using Green’s Function in Scattering Theory
Brijesh (CUHP24PGPAS13)
Ayush Kumar Singh (CUHP24PGPAS11)
Submitted to: Dr. Surender Pratap
Assistant Professor
May 19, 2025
Outline
Introduction to Green’s Functions
Green’s Function for ∇2 Operator
Green’s Function for (∇2 + k 2 ) Operator
Application to Scattering Theory
Conclusion
Introduction to Green’s Functions
Green’s Function for ∇2 Operator
Green’s Function for (∇2 + k 2 ) Operator
Application to Scattering Theory
Conclusion
Introduction to Green’s Functions
Definition
The Green’s function G (r , r ′ ) of an operator L satisfies:
LG (r , r ′ ) = δ(r − r ′ ) (1)
Solution to Inhomogeneous Equations
For Lψ = F (r ), the solution is:
Z
ψ(r ) = G (r , r ′ )F (r ′ )dr ′ (2)
We’ll study Green’s functions for:
▶ ∇2 operator (Poisson equation)
▶ (∇2 + k 2 ) operator (Helmholtz equation)
Green’s Function for ∇2 Operator
Theorem
12
∇ = −4πδ(r ) (3)
r
Proof.
▶ For r ̸= 0, ∇2 (1/r ) = 0
▶ At r = 0, use divergence theorem on F = ∇(1/r ):
ZZZ
2 1
∇ dV =S F · dS = −4π (4)
V r
The Green’s function is:
1
G (r , r ′ ) = − (5)
4π|r − r ′ |
Application: Poisson Equation
Electrostatic Potential
ρ(r )
∇2 ϕ = − (6)
ϵ0
Solution:
ρ(r ′ )
Z
ϕ(r ) = dr ′ (7)
4πϵ0 |r − r ′ |
Example
For point charge Q at origin:
Q
ϕ(r ) = (8)
4πϵ0 r
Green’s Function for (∇2 + k 2 ) Operator
Theorem
e ±ikr
(∇2 + k 2 ) = −4πδ(r ) (9)
r
The Green’s function is:
′
± ′ e ±ik|r −r |
G (r , r ) = − (10)
4π|r − r ′ |
▶ G + gives outgoing waves
▶ G − gives incoming waves
Scattering Theory Setup
Time-independent Schrödinger
equation:
2µ
(∇2 + k 2 )ψ = V (r )ψ (11)
ℏ2
2µE
where k 2 = ℏ2
Figure: Scattering setup
Lippmann-Schwinger Equation
Solution using Green’s function:
′
e ±ik|r −r |
Z
± µ
ψ (r ) = e ikz
− V (r ′ )ψ ± (r ′ )dr ′ (12)
2πℏ2 |r − r ′ |
Asymptotic form (r → ∞):
e ikr
ψ + (r ) ≈ e ikz + f (θ, ϕ) (13)
r
Scattering amplitude:
Z
µ ′ ·r ′
f (θ, ϕ) = − e −ik V (r ′ )ψ + (r ′ )dr ′ (14)
2πℏ2
Scattering Cross-Section
Differential cross-section:
dσ
= |f (θ, ϕ)|2 (15)
dΩ
Total cross-section:
Z
σ= |f (θ, ϕ)|2 dΩ (16)
Physical Interpretation
▶ f (θ, ϕ) contains all scattering information
▶ Born approximation: Replace ψ + with e ikz in f (θ, ϕ)
Conclusion
▶ Green’s functions provide powerful method to solve
inhomogeneous differential equations
▶ For ∇2 , gives Coulomb potential
▶ For (∇2 + k 2 ), gives scattering solutions
▶ Leads to Lippmann-Schwinger equation in quantum scattering
▶ Scattering amplitude directly related to cross-sections
Future Directions
▶ Higher order approximations
▶ Applications to specific potentials
▶ Relativistic generalizations
Reference
▶ Quantum Mechanics Theory and Applications by AJOY
GHATAK AND S LOKANATHAN
Reference Book
Thank You!