Rapid convergence of the Weinberg expansion of the deuteron stripping amplitude

Theories of $(d,p)$ reactions frequently use a formalism based on a transition amplitude that is dominated by the components of the total three-body scattering wave function where the spatial separation between the incoming neutron and proton is confined by the range of the $n$-$p$ interaction, $V_{np}$. By comparison with calculations based on the CDCC method we show that the $(d,p)$ transition amplitude is dominated by the first term of the expansion of the three-body wave function in a complete set of Weinberg states. We use the \nuc{132}{Sn}(d,p)\nuc{133} {Sn} reaction at 30 and 100 MeV as examples of contemporary interest. The generality of this observed dominance and its implications for future theoretical developments are discussed.