Exact three-body calculations using separable two-body interactions have been carried out for the neutron-deuteron system at low and intermediate energies. Binding energies, scattering lengths, angular distributions, and total cross sections for $n-d$ scattering and the total break-up cross sections for $n+d\to n+n+p$ have been obtained. These agree well with experimental data where available, indicating that nucleon exchange is the dominant mechanism at these energies. Other theoretical results presented are the partial-wave scattering amplitudes, phase shifts, and angular distributions for the quartet and doublet spin states of the $n-d$ system. Diffraction scattering is noted in the doublet state, and its development as a function of energy is traced. Further refinements and future calculations are discussed and outlined.

• Received 23 July 1965

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.140.B1291