Chemie mit Myonen

Abstract

Myonium, a light hydrogen atom, myoniumsubstituted organic compounds and free radicals are formed after stopping positive myons in liquids. They are detected and their reactions are followed by the myon spin rotation (μSR) technique. The principles of the method are outlined. Further, applications are described in the fields of kinetic isotope effects of hydrogen isotopes, radiation chemistry, formation and structure of transient free radicals and reaction kinetics of free radicals in liquids. Most of the work presented was carried out by the author’s research group at the Swiss Institut for Nuclear Research, Villigen.