Coulomb capture ratios

Numerous models have been proposed for describing the formation of exotic atoms via Coulomb capture. The muons in atoms do reach the atomic ground state (as opposed to hadronic atoms), and the lack of strong interaction effects makes them good probes to study Coulomb capture. One of the most important experimental methods is measuring Coulomb capture ratios. In a mixture of two elemental gases (e.g., N2 + O2) or in binary compounds, one can determine the amount of muons captured in the different elements by summing up the amplitudes of the muonic Lyman series, the (n p —> Is) transitions. 

Net atomic charges have been obtained from atomic Coulomb capture ratios of pions in 3-BN by applying the modified mesomolecular model, which accounts forthe Auger process in the cascade transitions from mesomolecular to atomic orbitals. The resultant atomic charges are +0.48 for the boron and -0.48 for the nitrogen atom [16]. 

Coulomb capture or atomic capture ratio is an important parameter. The capture ratio A(Zj, Zj) is defined by ... 

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