Algebraic treatment of three-body problems

Abstract

We discuss an algebraic treatment of three-body systems in terms of a U(7) spectrum generating algebra. In particular, we develop the formalism for nonlinear configurations and present an algebraic description of vibrational and rotational excitations of symmetric (X_3) and asymmetric tops (XY_2 and XYZ). The relevant point group symmetry is incorporated exactly.

Comments: revised and updated version: 14 pages, 2 figures. Few-Body Systems, in press