The 2 H(d,p) 3 H reaction in metallic media at very low energies

Based on our experimental studies of the electron screening effect in the 2H(d,p)3H reaction for five deuteron-implanted solid targets (C,Al,Zr,Pd,Ta), theoretical calculations have been performed within an improved dielectric function theory. The theory describes correctly the observed target material dependence of the screening energies, underestimating, however, the absolute values by about a factor of 2. Applying an effective screening energy approach, the theoretical cross-sections, thick-target yields as well as nuclear reaction rates have been calculated down to the energies corresponding to the conditions of so-called cold-fusion experiments. This allows for a comparison of the experimental results at higher energies with those achieved in the heavy-water electrolysis experiments.