Atomic analysis of the (n; t)-reaction of the helium-3 atoms with slow neutrons

Abstract

Probabilities of formation of various hydrogenic species during the exothermic nuclear (n, 3He; t, p)-reaction of atomic helium-3 with slow neutrons are determined. In particular, we have found that the probability of forming the tritium atom 3H in its ground state is ≈55.192 87 %, while the analogous probability of forming the protium atom 1H in its ground state is ≈1.023 63%. Analogous probabilities of formation of the negatively charged hydrogen ions, i.e. the 3H− and 1H− ions, in the nuclear (n, 3He; t, p)-reaction with slow neutrons are ≈7.8680% and ≈0.065 83%, respectively. We also consider bremsstrahlung from fast fission-type reactions in atomic systems. The spectrum of emitted radiation is analysed.