Coupled-channels models for non-relativistic nuclear collisions face challenges in consistently describing fusion cross-sections across a wide range of energies. This work develops the foundations for alternative approaches to fusion using time-dependent few-body methods. We present a robust, numerically convenient time-dependent method for determining the S -matrix via the wave packet time-correlation function, accounting for the long-range Coulomb potential. We briefly review time-dependent scattering theory and the action of Dollard's Coulomb M0ller wave operators. We apply the theory to low-energy α + α scattering, and preliminary results show excellent agreement with FRESCO. We highlight the potential of the method to resolve contributions to scattering from different mechanisms, such as resonances.
Tejas et al. (Wed,) studied this question.