Poles, Resonances, and Scattering Channels
Poles provide a connection between scattering observables and states associated with the interaction. Their location, the choice of analytic continuation, and the relevant channel thresholds determine the physical interpretation. Resonance approximations require a stated regime; a Breit–Wigner fit alone does not establish a complete dynamical model. The multichannel, inelastic, and inverse-scattering articles mark extensions beyond the simplest elastic problem.
Helpful background. Use the S-matrix and threshold concepts before interpreting resonances or opening additional channels.
Enter this chapter
Section titled “Enter this chapter”- Bound States and Scattering Poles
- Resonances
- Breit-Wigner Form
- Multichannel Scattering Preview
- Inelastic Scattering Preview
- Inverse Scattering Preview
- Bridge to QFT Scattering
Use Scattering Theory to choose another chapter. General perturbative, variational, and semiclassical strategies are collected in Approximation and Semiclassical Methods.