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Multichannel quantum-defect theory for anisotropic interactions

We present a general formulation of multichannel quantum-defect theory (MQDT) for anisotropic long-range potentials. The theory unifies the treatment of atomic and molecular interactions of all types, and greatly expands the set of interactions that can be treated and understood systematically, including complex interactions involving molecules. In one exemplary manifestation, the theory provides a methodology to make the classification of atomic interactions based on the Periodic Table quantitative, instead of qualitative, and to generalize the Table to include molecular classes. Through the concept of effective potential, the theory further establishes a foundation for new classes of quantum theories for chemistry and for a broad range of quantum systems made of either a few or many atoms and/or molecules.