Study of Exactly Soluble One-Dimensional <i>N</i>-Body Problems

Abstract

In this paper it is shown that several cases of one-dimensional N-body problems are exactly soluble. The first case describes the motion of three one-dimensional particles of arbitrary mass which interact with one another via infinite-strength, repulsive delta-function potentials. It is found in this case that the stationary-state solution of the scattering of the three particles is analogous to an electro-magnetic diffraction problem which has already been solved. The solution to this analogous electro-magnetic problem is interpreted in terms of particles. Next it is shown that the problem of three particles of equal mass interacting with each other via finite- but equal-strength delta-function potentials is exactly soluble. This example exhibits rearrangement and bound-state effects, but no inelastic processes occur. Finally it is shown that the problem of N particles of equal mass all interacting with one another via finite- but equal-strength delta functions is exactly soluble. Again no inelastic processes occur, but various types of rearrangements and an N-particle bound state do occur. These rearrangements and the N-particle bound state are illustrated by means of a series of sample calculations.