In this chapter we have focused on the concept of low temperature fusion based on the mechanism of muon catalysis. Recent years have witnessed considerable discussion of “cold” fusion in electrolytic cells and other experimental devices. No clear and consistent characterizations of the associated processes have
emerged to date so that a pedagogical presentation must await further developments.

Problems

12.1 Formulate the complete reaction dynamical description for the 14- particle species of Fig. 12.2.

12.2 Undertake a dynamical analysis of the case depicted in Fig. 12.4 assuming that Я, ц = 0. Compare this characterization to a neutron induced fission chain.

12.3 Explore analytical solutions of the system of equations, Eq.(12.10), given suitable initial conditions.

12.4 For Хц = 34, find the average time between muon induced fusion events and compare this to the mean lifetime of the pdt atom. What does this suggest about the time scale of the formation of the pdt atom relative to its decay?

12.5 A particular upper bound for the muon recycle efficiency occurs in the absence of any muon sticking to the alpha particle. Examine the consequences of this limit for the case leading to Eq.(12.27).

Part IV Components, Integration, Extensions