A Relativistic Theory of Few-Nucleon Systems

Abstract

This talk provides an overview of recent results for two- and three-nucleon systems obtained within the framework of the Covariant Spectator Theory. The main features of two recently published models for the neutron-proton interaction, that fit the 2007 world data base containing several thousands of neutron-proton scattering data below 350 MeV with chi^2/Ndata ≈ 1, are presented. These one-boson-exchange models, called WJC-1 and WJC-2, have a considerably smaller number of adjustable parameters than are present in realistic nonrelativistic potentials. When applied to the three-nucleon bound state, the correct binding energy is obtained without additional three-body forces. First calculations of the electromagnetic form factors of helium-3 and the triton in complete impulse approximation also give very reasonable results. One can conclude that the Covariant Spectator Theory yields a very efficient description of few-nucleon systems, in which the relativistic formulation of the dynamics is an essential element.