Siegert State Approach to Quantum Defect Theory
  The Siegert states are approached in framework of Bloch-Lane-Robson formalism for quantum collisions. The Siegert state is not described by a pole of Wigner R- matrix but rather by the equation $1- R_{nn}L_n = 0$, relating R- matrix element $R_{nn}$ to decay channel logarithmic derivative $L_n$. Extension of Siegert state equation to multichannel system results into replacement of channel R- matrix element $R_{nn}$ by its reduced counterpart ${\cal R}_{nn}$. One proves the Siegert state is a pole, $(1 - {\cal R}_{nn} L_{n})^{-1}$, of multichannel collision matrix. The Siegert equation $1 - {\cal R}_{nn} L_{n} = 0$, ($n$ - Rydberg channel), implies basic results of Quantum Defect Theory as Seaton's theorem, complex quantum defect, channel resonances and threshold continuity of averaged multichannel collision matrix elements. 
C. Hategan, R.A. Ionescu, H.H. Wolter
physics.atom-ph nucl-th