Proton-proton fusion in lattice effective field theory

TL;DR

This paper calculates the proton-proton fusion rate at low energies using lattice effective field theory, accurately incorporating Coulomb effects non-perturbatively, relevant for solar physics and nuclear reaction modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a non-perturbative lattice EFT approach that includes Coulomb interactions at leading order, advancing nuclear reaction calculations.

Findings

Accurately describes low energy cross sections for proton-proton fusion

Demonstrates non-perturbative treatment of Coulomb effects in lattice EFT

Provides a framework relevant for solar physics and nuclear reactions

Abstract

The proton-proton fusion rate is calculated at low energy in a lattice effective field theory (EFT) formulation. The strong and the Coulomb interactions are treated non-perturbatively at leading order in the EFT. The lattice results are shown to accurately describe the low energy cross section within the validity of the theory at energies relevant to solar physics. In prior work in the literature, Coulomb effects were generally not included in non-perturbative lattice calculations. Work presented here is of general interest in nuclear lattice EFT calculations that involve Coulomb effects at low energy. It complements recent developments of the adiabatic projection method for lattice calculations of nuclear reactions.