The relativistic version of the J-matrix method for a scattering problem on the potential vanishing faster than the Coulomb one is formulated. As in the nonrelativistic case it leads to a finite algebraic eigenvalue problem. The derived expression for the tangent of phase shift is simply related to the nonrelativistic case formula and gives the latter as a limit case. It is due to the fact that the used basis set satisfies the “kinetic balance condition.”

• Received 28 January 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.62.052716