Coulomb glory in low-energy antiproton scattering by heavy nucleus: screening effect of vacuum polarization

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates the Coulomb glory effect in low-energy antiproton scattering by uranium, highlighting the role of vacuum polarization screening and suggesting experimental feasibility with upcoming facilities.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of Coulomb glory caused by vacuum polarization in non-relativistic heavy particle collisions, specifically in antiproton-uranium scattering.

Findings

A pronounced backward scattering maximum (Coulomb glory) is identified.

The effect is attributed to vacuum polarization screening.

Experimental observation is considered feasible with future facilities.

Abstract

Backward scattering of antiprotons by bare uranium is studied theoretically for antiproton energies within the interval 100 eV -- 1 keV. A marked maximum of the differential cross section in the backward direction (Coulomb glory) at some energies of the incident particle is revealed. The effect is due to the screening properties of the vacuum polarization potential and can be regarded as a manifestation of the vacuum polarization in non-relativistic collisions of heavy particles. Experimental observation can become feasible with new facilities for antiproton and ion research at GSI.