Stochastic Methods for Zero Energy Quantum Scattering

Abstract

We investigate the use of stochastic methods for zero energy quantum scattering based on a path integral approach. With the application to the scattering of a projectile from a nuclear many body target in mind, we use the potential scattering of a particle as a test for the accuracy and efficiency of several methods. To be able to deal with complex potentials, we introduce a path sampling action and a modified scattering observable. The approaches considered are the random walk, where the points of a path are sequentially generated, and the Langevin algorithm, which updates an entire path. Several improvements are investigated. A cluster algorithm for dealing with scattering problems is finally proposed, which shows the best accuracy and stability.