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 V1 γ and V2 γ are discussed, with attention to the following features: the dependence of V2 γ on the choice of V1 γ, 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.
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