MUON TRANSFER VIA META-STABLE DT-MU-ASTERISK MOLECULES AND THE KINETICS OF MU-CF

We have considered details of the lower stages of the muon cascade fol lowing formation of highly excited muonic atoms in D-2-T-2 mixtures. W e show that when the muon reaches the n = 2 states of the muonic atom, an important modification of the hitherto accepted cascade model take s place. Our new theory predicts that fast (lambda(dt) (mu) similar o r equal to 10(11) s(-1)) formation of metastable dt mu in t mu(2s)-D- 2 collisions and their further decay into t mu(1s)+d or d mu(1s)+t tog ether constitute a deexcitation process quickly depleting the n = 2 le vels of muonic atoms. The decay into d mu(1s) can be seen as a muon tr ansfer from the t mu(2S) to d mu(1s) via an intermediate resonant stat e of dtp. This process provides an efficient mechanism for muon return from the tritium to deuterium atom which enhances the population of d mu(1s), thereby slowing down the cycling rate of the muon and quenchi ng the fusion yield. This new understanding may help to further optimi se physical conditions in order to maximise the fusion yield.