What is the Force between Electrons?

Abstract

The concept of the potential acting between charged particles is reviewed within the framework of quantum electrodynamics. The one-photon and two-photon exchange potentials V_1 \gamma and V_2 \gamma are discussed, with attention to the following features: the dependence of V_2 \gamma on the choice of V_1 \gamma, the distinction between FGI (Feynman gauge inspired) and CGI (Coulomb gauge inspired) potentials, and the dependence of the large-r behavior on these choices. A summary of available results for two spin-0 particles, for a spin-0 and a spin 1/2 particle and for two spin-1/2 particles is given. The application of such "scattering potentials" to the calculation of energy levels of bound states is discussed.

Comments: 10 pages, LaTex (to appear in Advances in Quantum Chemistry)