Complete determination of the transition amplitudes from a comprehensive data analysis of the fusion reactions <i>D</i>(<i>d,p</i>)³<i>H</i> and <i>D</i>(<i>d,n</i>)³<i>He</i> for <i>E</i>_<i>d</i>&lt;500 keV

Abstract

Abstract All relevant low‐energy transition amplitudes for the D ( d,n ) 3 He and D ( d,p ) 3 H reactions were determined from a fit to Legendre expansion coefficients of the available experimental data. A simple barrier penetrability model was used. Quintet S ‐wave transitions are found to contribute strongly thus obliterating the idea of neutron‐lean “polarized” fusion energy production. The D + D interaction radius was determined with good accuracy for both reactions individually. The astrophysical S functions show a small S ‐wave enhancement and P ‐wave suppression of the D ( d,p ) 3 H branch.