Algebraic Model for scattering in three-s-cluster systems. I. Theoretical Background

A framework to calculate two-particle matrix elements for fully antisymmetrized three-cluster configurations is presented. The theory is developed for a scattering situation described in terms of the Algebraic Model. This means that the nuclear many-particle state and its asymptotic behaviour are expanded in terms of oscillator states of the intra-cluster coordinates. The Generating Function technique is used to optimize the calculation of matrix elements. In order to derive the dynamical equations, a multichannel version of the Algebraic Model is presented.