Low Energy Standard Model Interactions in Condensed Matter

Abstract

This paper briey reviews the current status of Standard Model (weak and strong nuclear) interactions induced in condensed matter systems via the excitation of collective de-grees of freedom to provide the necessary energies. The central point is that a variety of low energy systems can accelerate electrons to several MeV, making it possible to produce neutrons via collisions with protons and to photodissociate nuclei via giant dipole resonances allowing a wide variety of nuclear transmutations to occur. Some sample systems are discussed as well as some of their implications.