Semiclassical Collision Theory within the Feynman Path-Integral Formalism

Abstract

A multichannel semiclassical collision theory, based on Feynman's path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics and developed by Pechukas, is discussed. The theory is applied to low-energy, elastic and inelastic, collisions between ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ and Ne. The calculation involves the solution of a boundary-value problem, and a numerical method for obtaining this solution is presented. The numerical results and the qualitative interpretation of them are compared with the predictions of other available theories.