Coupled-Channels Approach

The coupled-channels approach is a theoretical method used in nuclear physics to model interactions between particles, such as atomic nuclei. It considers multiple possible ways (channels) these particles can interact or change states simultaneously, recognizing that these pathways influence each other. By solving a set of interconnected equations, physicists can predict outcomes like scattering or fusion more accurately. This approach captures the complexity of nuclear reactions where various processes are interconnected, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how nuclei behave during interactions, especially when simple models fall short.