The theory of the T + D reaction

Abstract

The energy dependence and absolute magnitude of the cross-section for the T + D reaction are described in terms of the exact wave-functions of the Coulomb field and a complex reaction length defined by the logarithmic derivative of the wave-function on the reaction surface. Previous difficulties in the interpretation of the experiments are largely attributed to the failure of the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation. It is sufficient, but not necessary, to assume that the whole cross-section is due to s -waves; but in either case the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling is indicated.