The S-matrix for scattering of composite systems

Abstract

It is shown that the asymptotically stationary states, as introduced by Van Hove1), provide a natural tool to describe the scattering of composite systems. The scattering problem is formulated in terms of these a.s. states and a unitary S-matrix is defined. In this paper we treat the formal aspects with complete mathematical rigour. The method can be used to derive an alternative form of the Faddeev equations2)3).