Horace, > Proton pairs don't bind by the strong force, so this eliminates the prospect for the follow-on weak reaction, at least at readily observable levels.
Well - They can bind for an indeterminate period, according to Nyman. http://dipole.se/ Go down to "Strong Force between Two Protons". Simulations made with two different kinds of physics software show the following: 1) Two protons placed closely together will repel each other most of the time. 2) Two protons shot at each other will repel each other most of the time. 3) However, it is occasionally possible to shoot protons at each other with the right speed and quark positions so that they latch on to each other - held in place by the Strong Force. Jones
