Influence of strong magnetic field on \beta decay in the crusts of neutron stars

\beta decay in the strong magnetic field of the crusts of neutron stars is analysed by an improved method. The reactions ⁶⁷ Ni(\beta^-)⁶⁷ Cu and ⁶² Mn(\beta^-)⁶² Fe are investigated as examples. The results show that a weak magnetic field has little effect on βdecay but a strong magnetic field (B >10¹²G) increases \beta decay rates obviously. The conclusion derived may be crucial to the research of late evolution of neutron stars and nucleosynthesis in r-process.