The generalized contact formalism: three-body correlations and other recent results

The generalized contact formalism (GCF) is a useful model for analyzing the properties and implications of nuclear short-range correlations (SRCs). Based on an asymptotic factorization of the wave function when two particles are found close to each other, the GCF was used to study two-body densities and momentum distributions, electron scattering reactions, and more, resulting in a consistent and comprehensive picture regarding the effects of SRC pairs. Based on its success, the GCF asymptotic two-body factorization is expected to be a leading-order term in a short-range expansion of the nuclear wave function. In this talk, after reviewing some of the main results concerning SRC pairs, I will focus on recent advances in the description of three-body correlations and other next-order corrections. I will discuss the connection to inclusive electron-scattering searches for signal of SRC triplets. I will also present recent calculations of neutrinoless double beta decay matrix elements using the GCF to account for SRC effects.



LA-UR-22-33047