Numerical Method for Solving Two-Body Bound-State Bethe-Salpeter Equations for Unequal Constituent Masses

Abstract.

 A theoretical technique is developed for obtaining finite-energy numerical solutions to a class of two-body, bound-state Bethe-Salpeter equations in the ladder approximation when the constituent masses are unequal. The class of equations is restricted to those for which the Bethe-Salpeter equation can be written as a differential equation and to situations where the coupling constant is real. Such equations can result when the binding force is created by the exchange of a massless quanta. The theoretical technique is tested numerically by obtaining finite-energy solutions of the partially-separated Bethe-Salpeter equation describing the unequal-mass Wick-Cutkosky model in the ladder approximation.