Tunnelling Effects on Low Energy Fusion Cross Sections
Abstract
Recently, the claim of discovery of 'cold fusion' among the isotopes of hydrogen in a metal lattice has raised many questions as to the cross sections of some fusion reactions at low energies. This report investigates the quantum phenomenon of tunneling and its effects on the fusion process. Special attention is paid to penetrabilities in the Hulthen potential, which gives a reasonably accurate approximation of the potential inside the metal lattice. This report includes cross section data for the DD, ST and pD reactions. Also given are graphs showing the fusion cross section crossover point between the DD and DT reactions and the increased penetrabilities due to enhance tunneling effects. Keywords: Low-energy fusion cross sections; Penetrabilities; Cross section crossover point; Screened Coulomb potential.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214010
Entities
People
- Christopher L. Leakeas