Structure and dynamics of few-helium clusters using soft-core potentials

In this work we investigate the structure and dynamics of small clusters of Helium atoms. We consider bound states of clusters having A = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 atoms and continuum states in the three-atom system. Motivated by the fact that the He-He system has a very large scattering length a compared to the range r ₀ of the He-He potential (r ₀/a < 1/10), we propose the use of a soft-core interparticle potential. We use an attractive gaussian potential that reproduces the values of the dimer binding energy and the atomatom scattering length obtained with one of the widely used He-He interactions, the LM2M2 potential. In addition, we include a repulsive three-body force to reproduce the trimer binding energy. With this model, consisting in the sum of a two- and a three-body potential, we show the spectrum of the four, five, and sixparticle systems and phase-shifts and inelasticities in the three-atom system. Comparisons to calculations using realistic He-He potentials are given. In addition some universal relations are explored.