Capture of negative muons by hydrogen atoms at low collision energies

A rigorous quantum mechanical calculation is carried out for negative muon capture by atomic hydrogen (μ-+H→μ-p+e) by using the R-matrix method. The total and final-state selected capture cross sections are calculated at low collision energies ranging from 0.001 to 1 eV. The total capture cross section can, on average, be explained in terms of a previously obtained empirical formula [K. Sakimoto, Phys. Rev. A 66, 032506 (2002)]. However, the present result exhibits additional undulation and cusp structures, which stem from quantum phenomena. The muons are predominantly captured into the highest energetically possible state of μ-p in the present energy region. However, the μ-p products having high angular momenta cannot be formed unless the collision energy becomes high.