Kinetics and Energetics of Muon-Catalyzed Deuterium-Tritium Fusion

The kinetic characteristics of muon-catalyzed deuterium-tritium (D-T) fission processes are considered. Rate equations for the dominant muonic and nonmuonic reactions are formulated and the associated particle densities determined as a function of time. Parametric expressions intended to provide an indication of the energetic viability of muon-aided fusion reactions are formulated and evaluated. It appears that muon-catalyzed D-T fusion at low temperature does possess the potential of energy gain under certain experimental conditions.