Alternative large-n limit for QCD and its implications for low-energy nuclear phenomena

The Corrigan-Ramond model for large-N QCD is analyzed in detail. The spectrum, leading-order results for interactions, and an effective Lagrangian describing large-N interactions are derived. This Lagrangian, when quantized, provides an effective quantum field theory for mesons and baryons. The applicability of such a theory to low-energy nuclear phenomena is studied. The model has features that distinguish it clearly from standard large-N QCD