Solid state internal conversion

Abstract

It is shown that due to Coulomb interaction additional fusion reactions can happen in extra channels in solid state environment (e.g., in crystalline Pd) partly filled with deuterons. In the process that may be called solid state internal conversion, the total reaction energy is taken off by an accelerated charged particle (e.g., electron) and by the fused nucleus. The phenomenon is demonstrated on the $p+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{3}\text{He}$ reaction. Formula for the nuclear reaction constant of the processes is presented. Its value for the $p+d+(e)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{3}\text{He}+(e)$ and the $p+d+(d)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{3}\text{He}+(d)$ reactions is calculated.