Wave packet scattering from an attractive well

Abstract

Wave packet scattering off an attractive well is investigated in two spatial dimensions numerically. The results confirm what was found previously for the one dimensional case. The wave scattered at large angles is a polychotomous (multiple peak) coherent train. Large angle scattering is extremely important for low impinging velocities and at all impact parameters. The effect disappears for packets more extended than the well. Experiments to detect the polychotomous behavior are suggested.

Comments: Final version, Journal of Physics A, to be published