Light front formalism for composite systems and some of its applications in particle and relativistic nuclear physics

Light front formalism for composite systems is presented along with derivations of equations for bound state and scattering problems. Methods of constructing elastic form factors and scattering amplitudes of composite particles are reviewed, and elastic form factors in the impulse approximation are calculated. Scattering amplitudes for relativistic bound states are constructed, and some model cases for transition amplitudes are considered. Deep inelastic form factors (structure functions) are expressed through light front wave functions. The problem of light front relativization of wave functions of the lightest nuclei is considered. Scaling properties of deuteron, 3 He and 4 He light front wave functions are checked within a relatively wide energy range.