From bound states to the continuum

TL;DR

This paper discusses efforts to connect bound state calculations with scattering and reaction theories in nuclear physics, aiming to improve the understanding of continuum effects on nuclear states near thresholds.

Contribution

It provides an overview of bound state and continuum methods and explores potential connections to bridge the gap between these approaches.

Findings

Identifies key challenges in connecting bound and continuum methods.

Highlights current approaches and future directions for integrating these methods.

Emphasizes the importance of continuum effects on near-threshold states.

Abstract

This white paper reports on the discussions of the 2018 Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Theory Alliance (FRIB-TA) topical program "From bound states to the continuum: Connecting bound state calculations with scattering and reaction theory". One of the biggest and most important frontiers in nuclear theory today is to construct better and stronger bridges between bound state calculations and calculations in the continuum, especially scattering and reaction theory, as well as teasing out the influence of the continuum on states near threshold. This is particularly challenging as many-body structure calculations typically use a bound state basis, while reaction calculations more commonly utilize few-body continuum approaches. The many-body bound state and few-body continuum methods use different language and emphasize different properties. To build better foundations for these bridges, we present an overview of several bound state and continuum methods and, where possible, point to current and possible future connections.