Analytical solution of the bosonic three-body problem

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 Apr 11;100(14):140404. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.140404. Epub 2008 Apr 9.

Abstract

We revisit the problem of three identical bosons in free space, which exhibits a universal hierarchy of bound states (Efimov trimers). Modeling a narrow Feshbach resonance within a two-channel description, we map the integral equation for the three-body scattering amplitude to a one-dimensional Schrödinger-type single-particle equation, where an analytical solution of exponential accuracy is obtained. We give exact results for the trimer binding energies, the three-body parameter, the threshold to the three-atom continuum, and the recombination rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't