The muon capture rate of 48Ca

Abstract The muon nuclear capture rate on 48 Ca has been measured to be 1.214(8)×10 6  s −1 at the PSI, Switzerland. An isotopically enriched target was used, and the sensitivity increased further by tagging on known γ -rays observed following the capture. Possible systematic errors in this procedure are discussed. The muon capture rate is compared to theoretical predictions and the isotopic variation of the capture rate is shown to deviate from the Primakoff estimate.