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

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.

Comments: 17 pages, 5 figures, part 1 of 2 companion papers