Potential scattering in $L^2$ space: (2) Rigorous scattering probability of wave packets

Abstract: In this study, potential scatterings are formulated in experimental setups with Gaussian wave packets in accordance with a probability principle and associativity of products. A breaking of an associativity is observed in scalar products with stationary scattering states in a majority of short-range potentials. Due to the breaking, states of different energies are not orthogonal and their superposition is not suitable for representing a normalized isolate state. Free wave packets in perturbative expansions in coupling strengths keep the associativity, and give a rigorous amplitude that preserves manifest unitarity and other principles of the quantum mechanics. An absolute probability is finite and comprises cross sections and new terms of unique properties. The results also demonstrate an interference term displaying unique behavior at an extreme forward direction.