An introduction to the physics of the Coulomb logarithm with emphasis on quantum-mechanical effects

Abstract

An introduction to the physical interpretation of the Coulomb logarithm is given with particular emphasis on the quantum-mechanical corrections that are required at high temperatures. Excerpts from the literature are used to emphasize the historical understanding of the topic, which emerged more than a half-century ago. Several misinterpretations are noted. Quantum-mechanical effects are related to diffraction by scales of the order of the Debye screening length; they are not due to quantum uncertainty related to the much smaller distance of closest approach.