Quantum potential for diffraction and exchange effects

Abstract

Semiclassical methods of statistical mechanics can incorporate essential quantum effects by using effective quantum potentials. An ideal Fermi gas interacting with an impurity is represented by a classical fluid with effective electron–electron and electron-impurity quantum potentials. The electron-impurity quantum potential is evaluated at weak coupling, leading to a generalization of the Kelbg potential to include both diffraction and degeneracy effects. The electron–electron quantum potential for exchange effects only is the same as that discussed earlier by others