Reciprocity theorem and fundamental transfer matrix

Abstract

Stationary potential scattering admits a formulation in terms of the quantum dynamics generated by a non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian. We use this formulation to give a proof of the reciprocity theorem in two and three dimensions that does not rely on the properties of the scattering operator, Green's functions, or Green's identities. In particular, we identify reciprocity with an operator identity satisfied by an integral operator M̂, called the fundamental transfer matrix. This is a multi-dimensional generalization of the transfer matrix M of potential scattering in one dimension that stores the information about the scattering amplitude of the potential. We use the property of M̂ that is responsible for reciprocity to identify the analog of the relation, detM=1, in two and three dimensions, and establish a generic anti-pseudo-Hermiticity of the scattering operator. Our results apply for both real and complex potentials. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.