50 years of multiple scattering theory

Abstract

Scattering theory is normally used to describe events in which an incoming electron impinges on a cluster of atoms and an outgoing wave is produced. In 1947, Korringa had the remarkable insight that, when the cluster is large enough, the incoming and outgoing waves become superfluous. The multiple scattering of the electron from atom to atom within the cluster describes stationary states. Over the past 50 years, multiple scattering theory has been developed into a powerful tool for calculating the electronic states in ordered solids, disordered solids and magnetic systems. This work started at the Quantum Theory Project in Gainesville and is now being pursued internationally.

Keywords:

• multiple scattering theory
• electronic structure
• computational physics