We suggest an analytic model for the triton asymptotic D to S normalization ratio ${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{t}}$ and the closely related D-state parameter ${\mathit{D}}_2^{\mathit{t}}$. This model explains correlations among ${\mathit{D}}_2^{\mathit{t}}$/${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$ and ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{t}}$ and among ${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{t}}$/${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$ and ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{t}}$ in three-nucleon calculations, where ${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$ is the deuteron asymptotic D to S normalization ratio and ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{t}}$ is the triton binding energy. The model yields numerical values of ${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{t}}$/${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$ and ${\mathit{D}}_2^{\mathit{t}}$/${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$ in close agreement with results of dynamical three-nucleon calculations. We conclude that ${\mathrm{\eta }}^{\mathit{d}}$, ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{t}}$, and other low energy on-shell nucleon-nucleon observables determine the triton asymptotic D-state parameters within an estimated error of 15%.

• Received 8 May 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.42.128