Muon Coulomb capture in aqueous solutions and the controversy between the large-mesonic-molecule model and the transfer model.

Muonic x-ray spectra from aqueous solutions of alkali halides have been measured and compared with spectra from the respective solid salts. In the solutions the higher members of the Lyman series are enhanced. From this and from p+ n+ data on hydrogen-containing compounds it is concluded that transfer involving p or p atoms, respectively, is responsible for the hydrogen effects while mechanisms involving mesomolecular orbitals are ruled out.