  A new method for the study of resonant behavior - using wave-packet dynamics
- is presented, based on the powerful window operator technique. The method is
illustrated and quantified by application to the astrophysically-important
example of low-energy $^{12}$C + $^{12}$C collisions. For this selected,
potential model test case, the technique is shown to provide both resonance
energies and widths in agreement with alternative methods, such as
complex-energy scattering-matrix pole searches and scattering phase-shift
analyses. The method has a more general capability to study resonance phenomena
across disciplines, that involve particles temporarily trapped by potential
pockets.
