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Scattering off an oscillating target: Basic mechanisms and their impact on cross sections
I Brouzos1, A K Karlis, C A Chrysanthakopoulos
1Department of Physics, University of Athens, GR-15771 Athens, Greece. brouzos@physi.uni-heidelberg.de
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 31, 2008
Summary
This study explores classical scattering from an oscillating target, revealing complex patterns in differential cross sections. The findings are determined by the initial collision phase and offer insights into target properties.
Area of Science:
- Classical mechanics
- Scattering theory
- Nonlinear dynamics
Background:
- Investigates classical scattering dynamics off harmonically oscillating targets in 2D.
- Focuses on scatterers with locally convex boundaries lacking periodic orbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze experimentally accessible quantities like differential cross sections.
- Characterize the influence of target oscillation on scattering patterns.
- Explore the inverse problem of extracting target properties from scattering data.
Main Methods:
- Simulates classical scattering of non-interacting particles off a circular hard scatterer.
- Analyzes differential cross sections in outgoing angle and velocity.
- Examines the role of particle beam velocity relative to target velocity.
Main Results:
- Demonstrates rich and multiple structures in cross sections when particle and target velocities are comparable.
- Shows that scattering patterns are determined by the first collision phase.
- Identifies a universal profile dictated by parabolic orbit manifolds.
Conclusions:
- Absence of periodic orbits does not preclude complex scattering behavior.
- Scattering patterns provide a universal signature related to parabolic orbits.
- Differential cross sections can potentially reveal properties of the oscillating target.
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