The Cross Section for P + P D + E + + nu E
Abstract
The cross section for the fundamental proton-proton fusion process has been reevaluated, employing more accurate parameters such as the deuteron wave function and the weak-interaction coupling constant (from the neutron beta-decay). Small corrections have been computed, such as the effects of vacuum polarization on barrier penetration and the radiative corrections to the process; these two effects almost cancel. The cross section is larger than that computed in previous work. The effect on the expected flux of neutrinos from B-8 decay is a reduction by a factor of 0.92, narrowing the gap between theory and experiment in the solar neutrino problem.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1086/185797
- Bibcode:
- 1990ApJ...359L..67G
- Keywords:
-
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Proton-Proton Reactions;
- Solar Interior;
- Boron;
- Coulomb Collisions;
- Neutrinos;
- Wave Functions;
- Weak Interactions (Field Theory);
- Nuclear and High-Energy Physics;
- NEUTRINOS;
- NUCLEAR REACTIONS;
- SUN: INTERIOR