Neutron-deuteron scattering cross-sections with chiral $NN$ interactions using wave-packet continuum discretization

Abstract

In this work we present a framework that allows to solve the Faddeev equations for three-nucleon scattering using the wave-packet continuum-discretization method. We perform systematic benchmarks using results in the literature and study in detail the convergence of this method with respect to the number of wave packets. We compute several different elastic neutron-deuteron scattering cross-section observables for a variety of energies using chiral nucleon-nucleon interactions. For the interaction ${\text{N2LO}}_{\text{opt}}$ we find good agreement with data for nucleon scattering-energies $E_{\text{Lab}}\le 70$ MeV and a slightly larger maximum of the neutron analyzing power $A_y(n)$ at $E_{\text{Lab}}=10$ MeV and 21 MeV compared with other interactions. This work represents a first step towards a systematic inclusion of three-nucleon scattering observables in the construction of next-generation nuclear interactions.

Comments: 17 pages, 7 figures