Meson Captures in Solids

Abstract

We present a calculation of the $Z$ dependence of the atomic capture of negative mesons in simple compounds. We choose a self-consistent Fermi-Thomas potential and solve the resulting Schrödinger equation describing the meson in the solid. The results give better agreement with experiment than the Fermi-Teller linear $Z$ law. The observed oscillatory behavior of the capture ratio as a function of $Z$ for oxides is qualitatively explained.