On-shell scattering theory with empirical input*

We accept from experirfjrent either a two particle binding energy and scattering length (or scattering length and effective range) for each two particle s-wave channel in a three particle system. These observables can be supplemented, if need be, by phase shifts measured at higher energy. We show that our general,on-shell scattering theory (which we here stop calling a “zero range theory” because that has led to confusion) makes unique, finite and unitary predictions for three particle elastic and rearrangement scattering, breakup and coalescence, and three particle bound state energies, using only this empirical input. Comparison with experiment of predictions drawn frbm this model would delimit the significant “off shell” ‘and/or “three body force” effects that more detailed models must explain. PACS: 03.80 +r, 03.65.Nk, 25.10 +s, 24.10 -i Submitted to Physical Review C *Work supported by the Department of Energy, contract DE-AC03-76SF00515.