Effective Theory for Neutron-Deuteron Scattering and the Triton

Abstract

We apply the effective field theory approach to the three-nucleon system. In particular, we consider neutron-deuteron scattering and the triton. Precise predictions for S=3/2 scattering are obtained in a straightforward way. In the S=1/2 channel, however, a unique nonperturbative renormalization takes place which requires the introduction of a three-body force at leading order. We also show that invariance under the renormalization group explains some universal features of the three-nucleon system.