Intermolecular forces and the group theory of many-body systems

The binding energy of three ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ atoms, subject to pair forces, is investigated numerically for a number of proposed intermolecular potentials and for a series of square wells. For some potentials a 3-body bound state is found, for others not. However, a direct correlation is found between 2-body and 3-body binding. The need for more accurate experimental data is discussed.The binding energy of three ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ atoms, subject to pair forces, is investigated numerically for a number of proposed intermolecular potentials and for a series of square wells. For some potentials a 3-body bound state is found, for others not. However, a direct correlation is found between 2-body and 3-body binding. The need for more accurate experimental data is discussed.

Physical ReviewSep 1, 19637 citations

The binding energy of three

{\mathrm{He}}^{4}

atoms, subject to pair forces, is investigated numerically for a number of proposed intermolecular potentials and for a series of square wells. For some potentials a 3-body bound state is found, for others not. However, a direct correlation is found between 2-body and 3-body binding. The need for more accurate experimental data is discussed.