P-matrix and J-matrix approaches: coulomb asymptotics in the harmonic oscillator representation of scattering theory

Abstract The relation between the R- and P-matrix approaches and the harmonic oscillator representation of the quantum scattering theory (J-matrix method) is discussed. We construct a discrete analogue of the P-matrix that is shown to be equivalent to the usual P-matrix in the quasiclassical limit. A definition of the natural channel radius is introduced. As a result, it is shown to be possible to use a well-developed technique of R- and P-matrix theory for calculation of resonant states characteristics, scattering phase shifts, etc., in the approaches based on harmonic oscillator expansions, e.g., in nuclear shell-model calculations. The P-matrix is used also for formulation of the method of treating Coulomb asymptotics in the scattering theory in oscillator representation.