Low Energy Nuclear Reactions Through Weak Interactions

TL;DR

This paper explores a theoretical model where low-energy nuclear reactions occur via weak interactions, suggesting that resonance conditions could make these reactions observable despite their generally low probability.

Contribution

It introduces a second-order perturbation theory framework for LENR via weak interactions and identifies resonance conditions that could enhance reaction rates.

Findings

Reaction rates are negligible in most cases.

Resonance conditions can significantly increase reaction rates.

The process involves virtual neutron states and photon emission.

Abstract

We consider the possibility that low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR) arise due to the conversion of proton to neutron through weak interactions. The resulting neutron forms a short-lived virtual state, which then gets captured by another nucleus through photon emission. This whole process happens under the framework of second-order perturbation theory. We find that the rate of this process is negligibly small in most cases. However, in the presence of a resonance, the rate can be substantial and observable.