Observation of nuclear fusion driven by a pyroelectric cryst

[Voronwë]

Nature 434, 1115-1117 (28 April 2005) | 10.1038/nature03575

Observation of nuclear fusion driven by a pyroelectric crystal
B. Naranjo, J.K. Gimzewski and S. Putterman

While progress in fusion research continues with magnetic and inertial confinement, alternative approaches—such as Coulomb explosions of deuterium clusters and ultrafast laser−plasma interactions—also provide insight into basic processes and technological applications. However, attempts to produce fusion in a room temperature solid-state setting, including 'cold' fusion and 'bubble' fusion, have met with deep scepticism. Here we report that gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions. The electrostatic field of the crystal is used to generate and accelerate a deuteron beam (> 100 keV and >4 nA), which, upon striking a deuterated target, produces a neutron flux over 400 times the background level. The presence of neutrons from the reaction D + D 3He (820 keV) + n (2.45 MeV) within the target is confirmed by pulse shape analysis and proton recoil spectroscopy. As further evidence for this fusion reaction, we use a novel time-of-flight technique to demonstrate the delayed coincidence between the outgoing -particle and the neutron. Although the reported fusion is not useful in the power-producing sense, we anticipate that the system will find application as a simple palm-sized neutron generator.

[masteen]

Yeah, true "cold fusion" is gonna happen in our lifetimes. Pretty sweet!

[Winnow]

Here we report that gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions.

You realize that they were using an Athlon based desktop so "desktop conditions = about 1,000F.

[Lohrno]

I'm sorry I'm not quite the huge physics buff but sometimes things like this are interesting. What good would a palm sized neutron generator be? Why would Joe Sixpack ever need or want to generate neutrons?

Would this be good for miniaturizing fission reactors? What good is this in general?

[Jice Virago]

Until thermalectric conversion (the process of directly converting thermal energy, aka heat, directly into electrical current) is perfected, its not practical on the small scale, but it would be a huge source of environmentally sound energy for power plants and the like. Basically, once we develop the first truely superconductive metal, nuclear power (both fission and fussion) will be a lot safer and more practical.

That is of course if the oil companies don't crush the innovations to protect their cash flow......

[nobody]

That is of course if the oil companies don't crush the innovations to protect their cash flow......

you sir are correct