Numerical Exact Ab Initio Four-Nucleon Scattering Calculations: from Dream to Reality

In the present manuscript we review the work of the last ten years on the pursuit to obtain numerical exact solutions of the four-nucleon scattering problem using the most advanced force models that fit two nucleon data up to pion production threshold with a chi(2) per data point approximately one, together with the Coulomb interaction between protons; three-and four-nucleon forces are also included in the framework of a meson exchange potential model where NN couples to N Delta. Failure to describe the world data on four-nucleon scattering observables in the framework of a non relativistic scattering approach falls necessarily on the force models one uses. Four-nucleon observables pose very clear challenges, particular in the low energy region where there are a number of resonances whose position and width needs to be dynamically generated by the nucleon-nucleon (NN) interactions one uses. In addition, our calculations constitute the most advance piece of work where observables for all four-nucleon reactions involving isospin I = 0, I = 0 coupled to I = 1 and isospin I = 1 initial states are calculated at energies both below and above breakup threshold. We also present a very extensive comparison between calculated results and data for cross sections and spin observables. Therefore the present work reveals both the shortcomings and successes of some of the present NN force models in describing four-nucleon data and serve as a benchmark for future developments.