Nuclear fusion in muonic molecules and in deuterated metals

[kiloVolts]

http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0804/0804.3886v1.pdf

Nuclear fusion in muonic molecules and in deuterated metals
L.N. Bogdanova
State Scientific Center of RF Institute for Theoretical and Experimental
Physics

Abstract

Study of the fusion reactions between hydrogen isotopes in muonic molecules
is the first example of the accurate accounting of the nucleus charge
screening by a muon in the fusion process. At LUNA installation the
measurements of astrophysical reaction cross sections were extended down to
collision energies of a few keV. The screening by atomic electrons of the
target became substantial. The possibility to look over screening from
unbound electrons is given by metal-hydrides used as targets in dd reaction
measurements. The classical Debye screening in plasma, applied to quasi-free
electrons in metal, provides an explanation of unexpectedly large screening
potentials found for some metals in the research through the Periodic table
of elements.

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