Phase-function method for complex potentials

We consider the scattering problem for absorptive interactions within the framework of phase-function method. A Green’s function approach is used to derive the phase equation. As a case study we apply the algorithm presented on a shallow α-α potential, the real and imaginary parts of which have been deduced from experimental data. The real and imaginary parts of theS-wave phase shift are found to vary smoothly with energy while those forD andG waves show some fluctuations in the low-energy region. It is shown that studies in spatial behaviour of the phase function provide a plausible explanation for the dynamical origin of these fluctuations.