Muonium formation dynamics in radiolytic tracks

Computer simulations are described of the evolution of radiolytic tracks in liquid alkanes following muon implantation. The programs predict time-depe ndent cation and muonium yields due to electron capture as well as the ampl itudes of the muon and muonium precession signals. The variation of these q uantities with muon stopping distance and applied electric field is investi gated. Simulations for hexane, iso-octane and neopentane, covering 3 orders of magnitude in electron mobility, are presented. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the delay to muonium formation can explain the reported missing fractions and to predicting the electric-field effects whi ch might be tested in new experiments. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.