S-Matrix Method for Calculation of Electromagnetic Corrections to Strong Interactions

Abstract

We develop an $S$-matrix method for calculating the effect of small perturbations on a partial-wave amplitude, and in particular, on the positions and residues of bound states. The method is applicable to both nonrelativistic and relativistic problems. It has, as a particular virtue, rapid convergence of the dispersion integrals. Electromagnetic corrections to strong interactions are the main application we have in mind, and modifications useful for handling the infrared divergence that occurs in this case are described in detail.