Partial-wave dispersion relations: Exact left-handE-plane discontinuity computed from the Born series

Abstract

We show that for a superposition of Yukawa potentials, the exact left-hand cut discontinuity in the complex-energy plane of the (S-wave) scattering amplitude is given, in an interval depending on n, by the discontinuity of the Born series stopped at order n. This establishes an inverse and unexpected correspondence of the Born series at positive high energies and negative low energies. With the discontinuity on the left-hand axis elucidated, we can construct a viable dispersion relation (DR) for the partial (S-) wave amplitude. The DR is numerically verified for the exponential potential at zero scattering energy. Generalization to higher partial waves, and extension of these ideas to field theory are discussed.