Relativistic composite systems in light-front dynamics

A systematic exposition of a new approach to the theory of relativistic composite systems is presented. The approach satisfies the general principles of relativistic dynamics and is convenient for practical applications. In this approach, the wave functions are the components of a Fock state-vector column on a light-front surface, which is defined, in contrast to other approaches, by an invariant equation. This ensures manifest relativistic covariance of the theory. The distinctive properties of the relativistic wave functions are discussed, namely, they depend not only on the relative momenta but also on a variable having the form of a unit vector. The applications of the theory are aimed at problems of relativistic nuclear physics (EMC effect, deuteron electrodisintegration, etc.). Particular attention is devoted to the demonstration of the qualitative consequences of the various relativistic effects in nuclei