Muon transfer to heavy atoms: A probe for the study of the (μp)2S system

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02724519
• Publication Date: 2007-12-18T13:31:59Z
• Authors: G. Fiorentini; G. Torelli
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences

The transfer process of a negative muon from the (μp)1S-and the (μp)2S-state to a heavy atom (Z≳10) is studied by using a semi-classical approximation; the electron shielding and the (μp) tunnelling through the atomic potential are considered. Estimates of the transfer cross-section are given. It is found that the transfer from the 2S-state is faster than from the 1S-state by a factorλ2S/λ1S ⋍ 90Z−1/2. It is suggested, therefore, that the transfer process can be an useful probe to study the (μp)2S atom.