  The relation between the R- and P-matrix approaches and the harmonic
oscillator representation of the quantum scattering theory (J-matrix method) is
discussed. We construct a discrete analogue of the P-matrix that is shown to be
equivalent to the usual P-matrix in the quasiclassical limit. A definition of
the natural channel radius is introduced. As a result, it is shown to be
possible to use well-developed technique of R- and P-matrix theory for
calculation of resonant states characteristics, scattering phase shifts, etc.,
in the approaches based on harmonic oscillator expansions, e.g., in nuclear
shell-model calculations. P-matrix is used also for formulation of the method
of treating Coulomb asymptotics in the scattering theory in oscillator
representation.
