Quantum-tail effect in low-energy d+d reaction in deuterated metals

Abstract

The Bochum experimental enhancement of the d+d fusion rate in a deuterated metal matrix at low incident energies is explained by the quantum broadening of the momentum-energy dispersion relation and consequent modification of the highmomentum tail of the distribution function from an exponential to a power-law.

Numerical modelling of the quantum-tail effect on fusion rates at low energy

“…The influence of the distribution wings on the reaction rate value can be obtained by comparison of the computation results of the two expressions (1) and (5). We can also compare such results with the calculated reaction rate K 1 = σV , using expression (3). After such comparison it is possible to estimate the astrophysical factor S and the deviation of theoretical predictions from experimental data.…”

Modified Debye‐Huckel Electron Shielding and Penetration Factor

“…In deuterated metals or solid-state matter, the effect of strong screening has yet to be clearly understood and discussed, although a few interesting descriptions have recently been brought forward to reproduce experimental results (Raiola et al 2004;Coraddu et al 2004aCoraddu et al , 2004bCoraddu et al , 2006Kim & Zubarev 2006). The approach we are referring to here is very useful in understanding the fusion rates in this matter, which could simulate some high-density astrophysical plasmas.…”

Theoretical Interpretation of Anomalous Enhancement of Nuclear Reaction Rates Observed at Low Energies with Metal Targets

“…Furthermore, the classical plasma theory of Debye is valid only if there are enough particles (electrons) in the cloud, N D ) 1, where N D ¼ ð4=3Þn 0 R D 3 . For the above case, N D % 3 Â 10 À5 , and hence the Debye theory may not be applicable for this case as pointed out by Coraddu et al 19) More recently Coraddu et al [19][20][21] used a modified momentum distribution introduced by Galitskii and Yaki-mets, 22) in an attempt to explain the anomalies. As shown by Galitskii and Yakimets (GY) 22) the quantum energy indeterminacy due to interactions between particles in a plasma leads to a generalized momentum distribution which has a high-energy momentum distribution tail diminishing as an inverse eighth power of the momentum, instead of the conventional Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution tail which decays exponentially.…”