The Decay of Bound Muons

Author: Gilinsky, Victor

Year: 1961

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Mathews, Jon

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/S3CW-8G49

Abstract

The decay rate of bound muons is calculated and numerical results are presented for a number of nuclei up to lead. The decay rate is found to be a monotonically decreasing function of the atomic number, in contrast with recent experimental results.

The muon is represented by a relativistic wave function for a point nucleus with parameters adjusted for finite-nuclear-size effects. The outcoming electron is represented by a Sommerfeld-Maue wave function. The errors involved in these approximations are discussed. An estimate of the error in the electron wave function is obtained by comparing with an exact calculation for the lowest electron angular momentum state.

The spectrum and angular distribution of the electrons are also presented.

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