Variational Methods for Path Integral Scattering

Understand

In this master thesis, a new approximation scheme to non-relativistic potential scattering is developed and discussed.

• The starting points are two exact path integral representations of the T-matrix, which permit the application of the Feynman-Jensen variational method.
• A simple Ansatz for the trial action is made, and, in both cases, the variational procedure singles out a particular one-particle classical equation of motion, given in integral form.
• While the first is real, in the second representation this trajectory is complex and evolves according to an effective, time dependent potential.