A new project for the investigation of unsolved problems of ddµ and pdµ catalysis in D2 and H/D mixtures

We propose to study a number of open problems in ddµ and pdµ fusion using the new high-pressure ionization chamber for charged particle identification in coincidence with the n-/e-counter array for the detection of neutrons and µ-decay electrons. Our first objective will be a precise measurement of the absolute rates of resonant and non-resonant ddµ formation in D2 and HD-gases and their temperature dependence from 40 to 350 K. Both output channels of the dd-reaction:3He + n and t + p will be observed and their ratio sensitive to contributions of S and P-waves will be determined. Simultaneously, we shall investigate the pdµ-cycle and determine the absolute pd-fusion yields in different molecular H/D compositions, observing tritons from nuclear muon capture in3Heµ: pdµ →3Heµ + γ. We have developed a special system for the preparation of HD-gas with high concentration (96%) of HD and a purity (10−6).