Density Matrix Kinetic Equation Describing a Passage of Fast Atomic Systems Through Matter

Abstract

The quantum-mechanical consideration of a passage of fast dimesoatoms through matter is given. A set of quantum-kinetic equations for the density matrix elements describing their internal state evolution is derived. It is shown that probabilistic description of internal dynamics of hydrogen-like atoms is impossible even at sufficiently low energies because of the ``accidental'' degeneracy of their energy levels.

Comments: 12 pages, LATEX, submitted to J. Phys. J