A least‐squares method for extracting phase shifts Free

A least‐squares method for extracting phase shifts due to central potentials from numerical solutions to the radial Schrödinger equation is presented. The method provides a measure of ‘‘goodness of fit’’ that is important in checking how well the asymptotic region has been reached. The least‐squares method is useful at all energies, but it is particularly valuable at low energies when the asymptotic wavefunction is slowly varying. The method is illustrated by calculating S‐wave phase shifts for the exponential potential.