Siegert State Approach to Quantum Defect Theory

Abstract

The Siegert states are approached in framework of Bloch-Lane-Robson formalism for quantum collisions. The Siegert state is not described by a pole of Wigner R- matrix but rather by the equation $1- R_{nn}L_n = 0$, relating R- matrix element $R_{nn}$ to decay channel logarithmic derivative $L_n$. Extension of Siegert state equation to multichannel system results into replacement of channel R- matrix element $R_{nn}$ by its reduced counterpart ${\cal R}_{nn}$. One proves the Siegert state is a pole, $(1 - {\cal R}_{nn} L_{n})^{-1}$, of multichannel collision matrix. The Siegert equation $1 - {\cal R}_{nn} L_{n} = 0$, ($n$ - Rydberg channel), implies basic results of Quantum Defect Theory as Seaton's theorem, complex quantum defect, channel resonances and threshold continuity of averaged multichannel collision matrix elements.