Relativistic Calculation of the Deuteron Electromagnetic Form Factor. I

The foundations of a relativistic theory of the deuteron-electromagnetic form factor are discussed. The theory is based on single-variable unsubtracted dispersion relations and coupled unitarity equations. Because of the presence of very low anomalous thresholds, only a few diagrams need be considered to give a satisfactory low-momentum transfer theory, and the diagrams with thresholds below 36${\mathrm{\mu }}^2$ are tabulated. The scalar theory for a subset of these diagrams (corresponding to a one-pion-exchange approximation) is examined and found to be in close correspondence with potential theory. Special attention is given to the anomalous thresholds. The role of the 3-pion state is discussed. Numerical calculations are reserved for future papers.