dispersion relation [dǝ`spǝr·zhǝn ri´lā·shǝn] NUCLEAR PHYSICS A relation between the cross section for a given effect and the de Broglie wavelength of the incident particle, which is similar to a classical dispersion formula. PHYSICS An integral formula relating the real and imaginary parts of some function of frequency or energy, such as a refractive index or scattering amplitude, based on the causality principle and the Cauchy integral formula. PLASMA PHYSICS A relation between the radian frequency and the wave vector of a wave motion or instability in a plasma. |