Shape-Independent Theory of High-Energy Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering

A shape-independent formula for nucleon-nucleon phase shifts, approximately valid over wide energy ranges is derived, assuming only general properties of the wave function and potential. It is found to approximately reproduce the $S$, $P$, and $D$ proton-proton phase shifts in the ranges 10-150 Mev and 10-310 Mev with two, or at most three, free parameters per state. A generalization, which includes part or all of the outer potential exactly, is derived at the same time.