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arXiv · 1806.04990

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

J. A. Krommes
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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.

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J. A. Krommes. 2018-06-13. An introduction to the physics of the Coulomb logarithm with emphasis on quantum-mechanical effects. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022377818001319

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