Scattering of plane wave packets by a rigid cylinder: a contribution to the quantum scattering theory

Time-dependent scattering of finite duration wave packets on a rigid cylinder is studied using exact solutions of the corresponding Schrodinger equation. The similarity between the time evolution of the total wavefunction and evolution of the corresponding classical ensemble of particles is exposed. Special attention is paid to a discussion of the differences between the total wavefunction dynamics and the dynamics of the scattered part of the wavefunction, the part which is commonly used for the evaluation of scattering cross-sections. This discussion emphasizes the necessity of using the total wavefunction in the description of scattering.