The $ppp$ correlation function with a screened Coulomb potential

Abstract: The correlation function is a useful tool to study the interaction between hadrons. The theoretical description of this observable requires the knowledge of the scattering wave function, whose asymptotic part is distorted when two or more particles are charged. For a system of three (or more) particles, with more than two particles asymptotically free and at least two of them charged, the asymptotic part of the wave function is not known in a closed form. In the present study we introduce a screened Coulomb potential and analyze the impact of the screening radius on the correlation function. As we will show, when a sufficiently large screening radius is used, the correlation function results almost unchanged if compared to the case in which the unscreened Coulomb potential is used. This fact allows the use of free asymptotic matching conditions in the solution of the scattering equation simplifying noticeably the calculation of the correlation function. As an illustration we discuss the $pp$ and $ppp$ correlation functions.