On the quantum foundations of some classical approximations for ion-atom collisions

Abstract

A connection between quantum mechanics and classical methods used in ion-atom collisions is developed. The connection is based on the fluid dynamical interpretation of the one-electron quantum wavefunction. The classical trajectory Monte Carlo method and the Thomson approximation are obtained as quantum models and the wavefunctions associated with these approximations are defined. A discussion is given of the procedure to be used to calculate scattering cross sections. Scaling laws derivable from the classical Liouville equation are deduced in the impact parameter formalism.