Muon catalysed fusion of nuclei with Z>1

The authors investigate the processes involved in muon catalysis of hydrogen isotopes with light nuclei Z>1, with the objective of identifying systems in which at least one fusion per muon is possible. They systematically explore all nuclear systems and identify those having the potential to lead to fast fusion rates despite the high Coulomb barrier. They consider in some detail the tunnelling through this barrier as well as the internal conversion of the muon. Furthermore they establish, in qualitative terms, the necessary conditions for muomolecular rates in collisions of muonic atoms of hydrogen isotopes with small concentrations of light elements.