Muon transfer via meta-stable [formula omitted] molecules and the kinetics of μCF

Abstract

We have considered details of the lower stages of the muon cascade following formation of highly excited muonic atoms in D 2-T 2 mixtures. We show that when the muon reaches the n = 2 states of the muonic atom, an important modification of the hitherto accepted cascade model takes place. Our new theory predicts that fast ( λ dtμ ∗ ⋍ 10 11 s −1 ) formation of metastable dtμ ∗ in tμ(2s)-D 2 collisions and their further decay into t μ(1s) + d or d μ(1s) + t together constitute a deexcitation process quickly depleting the n = 2 levels of muonic atoms. The decay into dμ(1s) can be seen as a muon transfer from the tμ(2s) to dμ(1s) via an intermediate resonant state of dtμ. This process provides an efficient mechanism for muon return from the tritium to deuterium atom which enhances the population of dμ(1s), thereby slowing down the cycling rate of the muon and quenching the fusion yield. This new understanding may help to further optimise physical conditions in order to maximise the fusion yield.