Muon–alpha-particle sticking probability in muon-catalyzed fusion

The Green's-function Monte Carlo method is used to calculate the ground-state wave function of the muonic-molecular ion composed of a negative muon bound to a deuteron and a triton. Using the sudden approximation, the probability that the muon will remain bound to the escaping alpha particle after fusion occurs is found to be 0.90%, about 25% smaller than previous estimates based on the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The numerical method for determining the wave function is discussed in detail.