The plane wave packet approach to quantum scattering theory

The Plane Wave Packet (PWP) approach is a new formulation of quantum scattering theory which interprets the results of (energy-domain) scattering experiments in terms of time-evolving wave packets. The wave packets allow one to visualize the scattering of the collision products in space, and thus link the dynamics on the potential surface with the angular distributions measured in experiments. Here we review the theoretical basis of the PWP approach, its connection with conventional quantum scattering theory, and the applications that have been made of it to date. These include calculations on simple model systems, and on the H+H-2, H+D-2 and F+HD reactions. We give a thorough explanation of the theoretical basis of the PWP approach, which includes a review of the relevant parts of the literature on time-independent reactive scattering. We explain in detail how the PWP approach can be used to separate out different scattering mechanisms, and how such interpretations complement those of time-independent scattering theory. We also suggest possible future developments of the approach.