Quantum corrections to the particle distribution function and reaction rates in dense media

Abstract

Quantum mechanics predicts the existence of power-law tails in the momentum distribution function of particles in dense media even under conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium. The generalized expressions allowing for the effect of the medium density show that quantum corrections lead to a sharp increase in the reaction rates of threshold exothermic processes (such as fusion and chemical reactions and vibrational-translational relaxation). The accompanying modification of the distribution function changes the wings of the emission and absorption lines. The profiles of the absorption lines in dense gaseous media are shown to be asymmetric with respect to the line center.