Normalization of the covariant three-body bound state vertex function

Abstract

The normalization condition for the relativistic three nucleon Bethe-Salpeter and Gross bound state vertex functions is derived, for the first time, directly from the three body wave equations. It is also shown that the relativistic normalization condition for the two body Gross bound state vertex function is identical to the requirement that the bound state charge be conserved, proving that charge is automatically conserved by this equation.