Asymptotic freedom for nonrelativistic confinement

Abstract

Some aspects of asymptotic freedom are discussed in the context of a simple two-particle nonrelativistic confining potential model. In this model, asymptotic freedom follows from the similarity of the free-particle and bound state radial wave functions at small distances and for the same angular momentum and the same large energy. This similarity, which can be understood using simple quantum mechanical arguments, can be used to show that the exact response function approaches that obtained when final state interactions are ignored. A method of calculating corrections to this limit is given, and explicit examples are given for the case of a harmonic oscillator.