This book introduces the scattering theory of nonrelativistic systems, a standard tool for interpreting collision experiments with quantum particles at energies not too high. The goal is to explore the interaction between particles and their properties. The authors cover the basics of the theory through a detailed discussion of elastic scattering using the stationary Schrödinger equation and the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. These remarks are supplemented by a consideration of the time-dependent formulation of scattering theory. Selection rules for effective cross sections due to symmetries conditioned by the structure of the interparticle forces and the scattering of spin-polarized particles are discussed. The foundations for the treatment of inelastic processes are laid and explained by application to three-body and nucleotransfer processes.

Reiner M. Dreizler

Studied physics in Freiburg/Breisgau (Diploma) and at the Australian National University, Canberra (Ph.D.). Research Associate and Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main. Holder of the S. Lyson Endowed Professorship until retirement. Member DPG, EPS, Fellow APS. Field of research: many-body systems of quantum mechanics.

Tom Kirchner

Studied physics at Goethe University, Frankfurt/M (diploma and doctorate). Postdoctoral researcher at York University, Toronto, Canada and at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg. After a junior professorship in Theoretical Physics at TU Clausthal, return to York University, first as Assistant Professor, currently as Associate Professor. Member DPG, CAP, Fellow APS. Field of work: quantum dynamics of multi-particle coulomb systems, in particular atomic scattering processes.

Cora S. Lüdde

Studied physics at the Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main (diploma). After family break, re-entry into physics and computer science with focus on computer arithmetics. Experience and further education in didactics. Member of DPG. Field of work: application-oriented programming, creation of physics didactic software.

1 Elastic scattering: stationary formulation - differential equations.- 2 Elastic scattering: stationary formulation - integral equations.- 3 Elastic scattering: time-dependent formulation.- 4 Conservation laws in scattering theory.- 5 Elastic scattering: the analytical structure of the S-matrix.- 6 Elastic scattering with spin-polarized particles.- 7 Remarks on multichannel problems.- Bibliography.