Limits based on Mandelstam Variables

Limits based on Mandelstam Variables

s Channel

[math]s \equiv \left({\mathbf P_1^*}+ {\mathbf P_2^{*}}\right)^2=\left({\mathbf P_1^{'*}}+ {\mathbf P_2^{'*}}\right)^2[/math]

In the center of mass frame, the momentum of the particles interacting are equal and opposite, i.e. [math]p_1^*=-p_2^*[/math]. However, the 4-momentum still retains an energy component, which as a scalar quantity, can not be countered by another particle's direction of motion.

[math]s \equiv \left({\mathbf P_1^*}+ {\mathbf P_2^{*}}\right)^2[/math]

[math]s \equiv \mathbf P_1^{*2}+2 \mathbf P_1^* \mathbf P_2^*+ \mathbf P_2^{*2}[/math]

Similarly, by the relativistic definition of energy

[math]E^2 \equiv p^2+m^2[/math]

where both particles have the same mass, this implies

[math] \left({\mathbf P_1^*}+ {\mathbf P_2^{*}}\right)^2=4E_{CM}^2=4(m_{CM}^2+p_{CM}^2)=s[/math]

[math]s=4(m_{CM}^2+p_{CM}^2)[/math]

t Channel

[math]t \equiv \left({\mathbf P_1^*}- {\mathbf P_1^{'*}}\right)^2=\left({\mathbf P_2^{*}}+ {\mathbf P_2^{'*}}\right)^2[/math]

[math]t \equiv \left({\mathbf P_1^*}- {\mathbf P_1^{'*}}\right)^2[/math]

[math]t \equiv P_1^{*2}-2P_1^*P_1^{'*}+P_1^{'*2}[/math]

[math]t \equiv 2m_1^2-2E_1^*E_1^{'*}+2p_1^*p_1^{'*}[/math]

[math]t \equiv 2m_1^*-2E_1^{*2}+2p_1^{*2}cos\ \theta[/math]

[math]t \equiv -2p_1^{*2}(1-cos\ \theta)[/math]