(a) For the quantum scattering of a beam of particles in three dimensions off a spherically symmetric potential V(r) that vanishes at large r, discuss the boundary conditions satisfied by the wavefunction ψ and define the scattering amplitude f(θ). Assuming the asymptotic form
ψ=l=0∑∞2ik2l+1[(−1)l+1re−ikr+(1+2ifl)reikr]Pl(cosθ),
state the constraints on fl imposed by the unitarity of the S-matrix and define the phase shifts δl.
(b) For V0>0, consider the specific potential
V(r)=⎩⎪⎨⎪⎧∞,−V0,0,r⩽aa<r⩽2ar>2a
(i) Show that the s-wave phase shift δ0 obeys
tan(δ0)=ksin(2ka)+κcot(κa)cos(2ka)kcos(2ka)−κcot(κa)sin(2ka),
where κ2=k2+2mV0/ℏ2.
(ii) Compute the scattering length as and find for which values of κ it diverges. Discuss briefly the physical interpretation of the divergences. [Hint: you may find this trigonometric identity useful
tan(A+B)=1−tanAtanBtanA+tanB.]