Review of Muon Catalyzed Fusion Experiments – Activities after EXAT98 and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Since EXAT98 at Ascona, significant progress has been marked for experimental investigations of the fundamental understanding of muon catalyzed fusion (μCF) phenomena in D–T, D₂ and other hydrogen systems. Future progress in the μCF studies is now guaranteed due to the successful launching of advanced accelerator projects such as JAERI-KEK Joint Proton Accelerator project and RI Beam Factory project at RIKEN. Also, the start of the next-phase thermal nuclear fusion project of ITER becomes promising so that some future contributions from ITER to μCF or vice-versa can be expected for various physical or technological aspects of fusion research. The future progress of μCF studies will also be promoted because of the growth of various other scientific research using muons. The essence of all these subjects is reviewed.