Optical potentials in time-dependent quantum systems

Abstract

The authors present a Feshbach projector formalism for the solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation leading to a finite set of coupled-channel equations with complex potentials. The derivation of non-perturbative optical potentials is based on the assumption that successive interactions occur instantaneously rather than with a time delay. This so-called local approximation is investigated in some detail on three successive levels, with special emphasis on the tractability of the matrix elements involved.