A classical two-dimensional (2D) model for an artificial atom is used to make a numerical “exact” study of elastic and nonelastic scattering. Interesting differences in the scattering angle distribution between this model and the well-known Rutherford scattering are found in the small energy and/or small impact parameter scattering regime. For scattering off a classical 2D hydrogen atom different phenomena such as ionization, exchange of particles, and inelastic scattering can occur. A scattering regime diagram is constructed as function of the impact parameter $\left(b\right)$ and the initial velocity $\left(v\right)$ of the incoming particle. In a small regime of the $(b,v)$ space the system exhibits chaos, which is studied in more detail. Analytic expressions for the scattering angle are given in the high impact parameter asymptotic limit.

• Received 13 July 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.75.036606