Field Theory of the d+t -> n+alpha Reaction Dominated by a 5He* Unstable Particle

TL;DR

This paper develops an effective non-relativistic field theory for the low-energy d+t fusion reaction, emphasizing the dominant role of an unstable 5He* resonance, and accurately describes the process with minimal parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, exactly solvable field theory model for the d+t reaction focusing on the 5He* resonance, with explicit Coulomb correction calculations.

Findings

The theory accurately reproduces experimental fusion rates.

Only three parameters are needed to describe the reaction.

Coulomb corrections are explicitly computed and incorporated.

Abstract

An effective, non-relativistic field theory for low-energy d+t -> n+alpha reaction is presented. The theory assumes that the reaction is dominated by an intermediate 5He* unstable spin 3/2+ resonance. It involves two parameters in the coupling of the d+t and n+alpha particles to the unstable resonant state, and the resonance energy level -- only three real parameters in all. All Coulomb corrections to this process are computed. The resultant field theory is exactly solvable and provides an excellent description of the d+t fusion process.