The three-body problem in nuclear physics

Abstract

In this article the author has attempted to state and explain the nature of the three-body problem in nuclear physics. Its solution is fundamental to a knowledge of the precise form of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. It is shown that final state interaction and nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung experiments can yield invaluable information on the two-body system, and can enable us to distinguish between possible models for the two-body potential. This kind of two-body information is available only from three-body experiments. Great advances in the theoretical understanding of, and in our ability to handle, the three-body system have been made since the pioneer work of Faddeev and these are discussed in the text. The experimental state of the art is reviewed in some detail, and attention is drawn to those experiments which would appear to be the most rewarding at the present time. It is not yet possible to say the extent to which specifically three-body forces are relevant to the solution of the three-body problem.