Multiparticle scattering theory and inclusive cross sections in nuclear collisions

The dynamics of inclusive breakup processes is studied in the framework of an exact multichannel multiparticle scattering theory. Due to the proper physical description cross sections are uniquely defined in terms of multiparticle transition operators without the problem of post-prior asymmetry. Unlike previous treatments, the present work includes Coulomb and exchange effects. In order to derive tractable expressions certain mathematical approximations have to be invoked. These, and the corresponding physical approximations, are discussed in detail