Electron assisted $dd$ reactions in metals

Abstract

The electron assisted low energy $dd$ reactions in deuterized metals are investigated. It is shown that if a metal is irradiated with slow, free deuterons then the $e+d+d\rightarrow e^{\prime }+p+t$ and $e+d+d\rightarrow e^{\prime }+n+$ $^{3}He$\ electron assisted $dd$ processes will have measurable probabilities even in the case of slow deuterons. The cross sections and the yields in an irradiated sample are determined. The results are associated with the so called anomalous screening effect. It is concluded that the electron $dd$ processes have to be taken into account when evaluating the experimental data of low energy fusion reactions in metals.