Rapid Communication
The Optical Potential as a Quantum-State Dependent Quantity
M. A. Grado-Caffaro and M. Grado-Caffaro
For the first time, we establish relevant mathematical relationships in a quantum- operator formulation for the (non-relativistic) optical-potential energy and its involved scattering length in relation to a three-dimensional electron gas interacting with other electrons. In fact, we find expressions relative to the expectation values of the operators associated with the optical-potential energy and scattering length. In addition, application of our formulation to study electron transport in conducting nanostructures is briefly outlined.
Keywords: Quantum operators; Optical potential; Scattering length; Electron gas; Nanostructures.