Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of neutron- scattering via an integral relation
Phys. Rev. C 112, 014008 – Published 23 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/q4dy-vhv1
Abstract
Nuclear physics seeks to describe both bound and unbound states within a unified predictive framework. While coordinate-space quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods have successfully computed bound states for systems with , their application to unbound states remains limited. In this work, we advance the QMC approach by implementing the integral relations method within the Green's function Monte Carlo (GFMC) framework, representing a significant methodological advance. This method infers long-range amplitudes in the wave function from integrals over the short-range interaction region. By evaluating these integrals using GFMC wave functions with the Argonne potential, we validate the approach by accurately reproducing neutron– phase shifts, in agreement with existing benchmarks. This approach provides a systematic pathway for studying more complex nuclear systems, including coupled-channels scattering and the effects of three-nucleon forces. It is a powerful tool for advancing ab initio calculations in nuclear reactions, paving the way for a unified framework that consistently describes bound and scattering states within a single theoretical approach.