The complex Kohn variational method applied to N-d scattering

The three-nucleon ground state and the N--d scattering states are obtained using variational principles. The wave function of the system is decomposed into angular-spin-isospin channels and the corresponding two dimensional spatial amplitudes are expanded in a correlated polynomial basis. For the scattering states, the complex form of the Kohn variational principle is used to determine the $S$--matrix. Special attention is given to the convergence pattern of the phase-shift and mixing parameters. The calculations have been performed using realistic local NN potentials and three-nucleon forces. Important features of the method are anomaly-free solutions and the low dimensionality of the matrices involved allowing for the inclusion of a large number of states. Very precise and stable numerical results have been obtained.