Partial wave analysis inK-matrix formalism

A description is given of the K-matrix formalism. The formalism, which is normally applied to two-body scattering processes, is generalized to production of two-body channels with finalstate interactions. A multi-channel treatment of production of resonances has been worked out in the P-vector approach of Aitchison. An alternative approach, derived from the P-vector, gives the production amplitude as a product of the T-matrix for a two-body system and a vector Q specifying its production. This formulation, called Q-vector approach here, has also been worked out. Examples of practical importance are given.