Lattice Energy LLC-Technical Overview-Carbon Seed LENR Networks-Sept 3 2009

Lattice Energy LLC
Commercializing a Next-Generation Source of Safe Nuclear Energy

Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENRs)
Ultra low momentum neutron (ULMN) capture on Carbon (C)
seed nuclei: W-L theory, model LENR nucleosynthetic
networks, and review of selected LENR experiments

Technical Overview
Lewis Larsen, President and CEO

“Facts do not cease to exist
because they are ignored.”
Aldous Huxley in
“Proper Studies” 1927
Studies”

September 3, 2009 Copyright 2009 Lattice Energy LLC All Rights Reserved 1

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Contents
Preview of nucleosynthetic pathways …………………………………… 3-4
Overview - I through V …………………………………………………………… 5-9
W-L theory and carbon-seed nucleosynthetic networks ……………… 10 - 18
Review and discussion of selected LENR experiments:
Metallic Palladium (substrate for nuclear-active sites) with Carbon:
1999: SRI replication of 1998 Case/D2 gas; McKubre et al……. 19 - 37
Primarily non-metallic Carbon substrates hosting nuclear-active sites:
1994: Texas A&M carbon-arc/H2O; Sundaresan and Bockris … 38 - 44
1994: BARC carbon-arc/H2O; Singh et al. ……………………..… 45 - 56
Are LENRs connected with hydrogenated fullerenes/graphene? ……….. 57 - 60
Final comments …………………………………………………………………… 61 - 64
Ending quotation: Erwin Schrödinger (1944) ……………………………….. 65


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Preview of Nucleosynthetic Pathways - I
Begin at Carbon (C)
Vector of LENR nucleosynthetic
pathway in red

End-up at Nickel (Ni)
End-


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Preview of Nucleosynthetic Pathways - II
Begin at
While they differ
Carbon (C) from stellar
The neutron-
neutron-
catalyzed “r-
process”
process”
‘Map’ of the Isotopic Nuclear Landscape environments in
many important
(see path on aspects, LENR
chart) that R-process pathway systems can
astrophysicists
Valley of stability produce large
believe occurs fluxes of a wide
mainly in stellar variety of
supernova extremely neutron-
neutron-
explosions is rich nuclei from
thought to produce low to very high
most of the nuclei values of A. Thus,
heavier than Iron they may someday
(Fe). It operates in be able to provide
the neutron-rich
neutron- nuclear physics
region of the Nickel with a new and
nuclear landscape Neutron ‘dripline’ ??? exciting, much
to the right of the lower-cost
lower-
valley of stability to In this presentation, we will apply W-L
W- experimental tool
beta- decay. theory and examine LENR experiments for exploring the
Extremely neutron-
neutron- in the yellow triangular region from the far reaches of the
rich isotopes have a valley of stability (small black squares) nuclear landscape
much wider variety and boundaries of
thru neutron-rich, beta- decay isotopic
neutron- beta- nuclear stability.
of available decay
channels in addition regions that lie to the ‘right’ of stability
right’ This possibility
to ‘simple’ β-.
simple’ Carbon between Carbon (C) and Nickel (Ni) deserves further
careful study.


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Overview - I
For more detailed explanation of information underlying this
presentation, please refer to 78-slide Lattice SlideShare Technical
Overview dated June 25, 2009.
Recapping - under nonequilibrium conditions in surface patches of
hydrogenous ions and heavy electrons that are ‘cooked’ with large
fluxes of ULM neutrons, over time large steady-state populations of
unstable, extremely neutron-rich ‘halo’ nuclei tend to build-up.
Neutron halos first discovered in Li in 1985; ‘hot’ R&D area today.
Herein - using Widom-Larsen theory, we will explore part of the vast
nuclear landscape of LENRs (see previous slide) via ULM neutron-
catalyzed LENR nucleosynthetic networks: starting with neutron
captures on Carbon seed nuclei; production of very neutron-rich,
unstable intermediate products; ending with an array of stable
transmutation products that extend ‘upward’ to Nickel.


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Overview - II
At this point in our understanding of nuclear physics, please note that
extremely neutron-rich ‘halo’ nuclei that comprise intermediate
products created in condensed matter LENR ULMN nucleosynthetic
networks are, in many respects, still little understood and poorly
characterized. For example: neutron capture cross-sections are
unknown for many; short half-lives can be very difficult to measure
accurately; true location of neutron ‘dripline’ unclear at higher A.
In condensed matter LENRs, neutron-rich halo isotopes continue to
absorb ULM neutrons as long as capture Q-values remain favorable
(prompt and delayed capture gammas are converted into infrared by
heavy electrons) and as long as they are unable to decay via a variety
of available channels that include emission of β- electrons (fermions)
and/or shedding low-energy neutrons (fermions) into unoccupied
states in local continuum. Compared to ions in hot stellar plasmas or
neutron-rich fragments made in radioactive-ion beam colliders, LENR
systems usually have much higher local densities of occupied states.


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Overview - III
Key consequences of this unique situation in LENR systems (very dense
occupation of local fermionic states) are that: (a) effective half-lives of very
neutron-rich intermediates can sometimes be significantly longer than
measured ‘textbook’ half-lives of comparatively isolated nuclei; and (b) %
branching ratios for alternative β--delayed decay channels that are normally
‘available’ to such isotopes may change markedly compared to those of
isolated nuclei – ratios may shift if certain decay channels are ‘blocked’ and
unavailable. Thus certain types of decays can be ‘frustrated’ in LENR
systems until unoccupied states ‘open-up’ for whatever reason.

From low (better understood) to high values of A, unstable neutron-rich
isotopes far from the valley of stability have a richer variety of decay
channel ‘choices’ than many types of nuclei. These are β- decays followed
by related beta-delayed emissions of gammas, neutrons (up to 3), alpha
particles, tritons (Tritium), and deuterons (Deuterium). Although their
production cross-sections are generally small, certain isotopes have very
substantial β-delayed branches, e.g. ~12% of N-18 decays also emit alphas.


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Overview - IV
“Excited states of nuclei formed in beta decay, for example, can
show other types of radioactive behavior. In such beta-delayed
radioactivity, the excited nuclear states can emit other particles ... If,
however, the excitation [of the ‘daughter’ nucleus] is high enough,
then it is possible that an alpha particle, a neutron or a proton are
emitted from this state… This radioactivity is beta-delayed because
the particles are only emitted after a time equal to the half-life of the
beta particle [emission].” W. Scharf, “Particle Accelerators and
Their Uses,” pp. 726 Taylor & Francis 1991.
Few observations of beta-delayed particles published prior to 1965
12 types of beta-delayed particle emissions have been observed
Over 100 beta-delayed particle radioactivities are known today
Theoretically, perhaps >1,000 isotopes could exhibit such decays


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Overview - V
We will first examine a model ULM neutron-catalyzed LENR
nucleosynthetic network that begins with neutron captures on stable
Carbon isotopes (A=12, mass; Z=6, # of protons; N=6, # of neutrons).
This region of LENR nucleosynthetic parameter space is very
interesting because, although the values of A are not large here,
certain Nitrogen (N) isotopes have β--delayed alpha (He-4)-decay
channels that have significant He-4 production cross-sections.
Role played by neutron-rich N isotopes is somewhat similar to that of
Be-8 in LENR cycle beginning with ULMN captures on Lithium that
was outlined in Equations 30 - 32 in our 2006 EPJC paper.
This implies LENR experiments involving ULMN captures on Carbon
seed ‘targets’ may produce significant quantities of He-4 without any
Lithium being present and importantly, without any need to invoke
questionable D-D “cold fusion” processes to explain such data.


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W-L theory and carbon-seed nucleosynthetic networks


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - I
ULMN capture on carbon, neutron-rich isotope production, and related decays
Increasing values of A
[BR = 12.2 %]
2He-4 ‘Pool’
7.7 Branching ratios of beta-delayed
beta-
Stable 99.99% [BR = 0.0025 %]
‘Boson sink’ decays will be discussed further;
2.3
[BR = 0.001 %] data sources differ on some of them
3.3

5.0 8.2 1.2 4.3 0.8 4.2 0.6 2.9
6C-12 6C-13 6C-14 6C-15 6C-16 6C-17 6C-18 6C-19
Stable 98.7% Stable 1.3% HL=5.7x103 y HL= 2.5 sec HL=747 msec HL=193 msec HL=92 msec HL=46 msec
5.5 7.3 9.0 11.2
0.2 9.8 8.0 13.2 11.8 16.6 13.6
Legend:
Increasing values of Z

10.8 2.5 5.9 2.8 5.3 2.2
ULM neutron captures 7N-14 7N-15 7N-16 7N-17 7N-18 7N-19
Stable 99.6% Stable 0.4% HL=7.1 sec HL=4.2 sec HL=622 msec HL=271 msec
proceed from left to right; Q-
Q-
4.5 5.9 8.6
value of capture reaction in 10.4 8.7 13.9 12.5 10.4
MeV is on top of green Beta-delayed alpha
Beta-
7.5
horizontal arrow: decays are denoted 8O-16
4.1
8O-17
8.0
8O-18
4.0
8O-19
7.6
by orange arrows Stable 99.76% Stable 0.04% Stable 0.20% HL=26.5 sec
Beta decays proceed from top
to bottom; denoted w. blue with decay energy
4.8
vertical arrow with Q-value in
Q- in MeV:
7.5 Well-accepted reports documenting beta-delayed alpha
Well- beta-
MeV in blue to left: Beta-delayed
Beta- 9F-19
6.6
neutron-
decays in neutron-rich Nitrogen (N) isotopes were first
7.5 neutron emissions ~Stable 100%
published in major journals ca. 1992 - 1994
Totally stable isotopes are are denoted by pink
indicated by green boxes; dotted lines with
some with extremely long arrows; decay 7.5 A total of nine different ‘Carbon cycle’ pathways are possible in this region of
cycle’
half-lives are labeled
half- energy in MeV: the model LENR nucleosynthetic network; four of them are as follows:
follows:
“~stable”; natural
~stable” Gamma emissions (C-12 thru C-15) -> N-15 -> N-16 -> C-12 + He-4 ; total Qv = ~30 MeV/He-4 atom
(C- C- N- N- C- He- MeV/He-
abundances denoted in % are not shown here; (C-12 thru C-16) -> N-16 -> C-12 + He-4 ; total Qv = ~30.0 MeV/He-4 atom
(C- C- N- C- He- MeV/He-
Unstable isotopes are are automatically
converted directly (C-12 thru C-17) -> N-17 -> C-13 + He-4 ; total Qv = ~35.0 MeV/He-4 atom
indicated by purplish boxes;
when measured, half-lives are
half- to infrared by heavy (C-12 thru C-18) -> N-18 -> C-14 + He-4 ; total Qv = ~43.2 MeV/He-4 atom
shown as “HL = xx”
xx” SPP electrons
Network continues onward to higher A


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - II
Neutron Please note this region of very high-
2.9
6C-20
0.0 -
energy beta decays of neutron-rich
Capture
13.6
HL= 14 msec
Ends on C Nitrogen isotopes (N-20 through N-23) Network can continue further
15.8 to even higher values of A if
2.2
7N-20
4.6
7N-21
1.3
7N-22
1.7
7N-23
0.0 Neutron ULM neutron fluxes are large
Capture
10.4
HL=100 msec HL= 85 msec HL= 24 msec HL=14.5 msec
Ends on N enough and of sufficient
13.4 15.9 21.0
18.0 17.2 22.8 23.8 duration. This is similar to
7.6
8O-20
3.8
8O-21
6.9
8O-22
2.7
8O-23
3.6
8O-24
0.0 Neutron
Capture
stars, but with key differences
HL= 13.5 sec HL= 3.4 sec HL= 2.3 sec HL= 82 msec HL= 61 msec
Ends on O
1.3 3.8 7.7
3.8 8.1 6.5 11.3 11.5

Neutron
6.6
9F-20
8.1
9F-21
5.3
9F-22
7.5
9F-23
3.8
9F-24
4.4
9F-25
1.1
9F-26
1.4
9F-27
0.0
Capture
HL= 11.0 sec HL= 4.2 sec HL= 4.2 sec HL= 2.2 sec HL= 0.3 sec HL= 59 msec HL=10.2 msec HL= 4.9 msec
Ends on F
0.5 3.3 4.6 9.2 12.3 16.4
7.0 5.7 10.8 8.5 13.5 13.4 17.8 17.9

6.8 10.4 5.2 8.9 4.2 5.5 1.4 3.9
10Ne-20 10Ne-21 10Ne-22 10Ne-23 10Ne-24 10Ne-25 10Ne-26 10Ne-27 Network
Stable 90.5% Stable 0.25% Stable 9.25% HL= 37.2 sec HL= 3.4 min HL= 602 msec HL= 197 msec HL= 32 msec continues
1.7 5.9
4.4 2.5 7.3 7.3 12.6

Note the large size of the Q-values for beta-
Q- 7.0 9.0 5.6 6.7 3.5
11Na-23 11Na-24 11Na-25 11Na-26 11Na-27 Network
decays of N-22 (22.8 MeV) and N-23 (23.8 MeV)
N- N- Stable 100% HL= 15 hrs HL= 1 min HL= 1.1 sec HL= 301 msec continues
2.6
5.5 3.8 9.4 9.1
For comparison, here are some representative Q-values of ‘prosaic’
Q- prosaic’
hot fusion processes with high Coulomb barriers: 7.3 11.1 6.4 8.5
12Mg-24 12Mg-25 12Mg-26 12Mg-27 Network
D + D -> He-4 + gamma (23.9 MeV) – minor D-D fusion branch ~10-5 %
He- D- Stable 79% Stable 10% Stable 11% HL= 9.5 min continues

D + T -> He-4 + 14.1 MeV neutron (17.6 MeV)
He- 2.6
This data illustrates how LENRs may have the potential to be a much
much
D + D -> Triton + proton (4.03 MeV) – BR ~50% 7.7
better power generation technology than hot fusion; they release just 13Al-27 Network
D + D -> He-3 + neutron (3.27 MeV) ) – BR ~50%
He- as much energy without any energetic neutrons or gamma radiation Stable 100% continues


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - III
Here is how fusion-based carbon cycles are thought to operate in stars
Cycle 1: stellar CNO nucleosynthetic cycle Cycles 1 – 4: CNO + 3 nucleosynthetic cycles thru Ne-18 and Ne-19
Ne- Ne-

Starts at C-12
C-

Starts at C-12
C-
Produces one
He-4 per cycle
He-

Comments: in the stellar CNO cycle only C-12 is recycled; in LENR-based carbon cycles, C-12, C-13, and C-14
Comments: C- LENR- C- C- C-
are all potentially regenerated. In general, ULMN catalyzed nucleosynthetic networks involve production of
nucleosynthetic
substantially more neutron-rich isotopes 2007 stellar networks, e.g., C-14 C-20; N-14 N-23; O-19 O-24; F-
neutron - 445, January 4, than
Source of Graphic: Nature,
20; 23; 24;
19 F-27; and Ne-20 Ne-27. Alpha decays are far more common events in low-A stellar fusion processes
27; Ne- Ne- 27. low-


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - IV

Discussion of ULM neutron captures starting with Carbon ‘seeds’
Large Q-values for beta decays of neutron-rich isotopes (up to 23.8 MeV in this region of the
nucleosynthetic network) created in LENR systems produce unstable ‘daughter’ nuclei in
highly excited states; this environment is favorable to beta-delayed decay processes wherein
nuclei have wider range of dynamic ‘choices’ for alternative decay channels

As shown in Carbon-seed nucleosynthetic network diagrams, ULM neutron capture on
Carbon isotopes can produce Helium-4 via beta-delayed alpha decay channels, which under
normal circumstances would be unusual for typical nuclei at such values of A

As measured in neutron-rich fragments collected and analyzed in RNB particle collider
experiments, branching ratios for beta-delayed alpha decays of Nitrogen isotopes are
presently thought to be: N-16 (0.001 %); N-17 (0.0025 %); and N-18 (12.2 %)

There is reason to believe that such alpha branching ratios could be substantially different
for operating LENR systems in which dense local populations of heavy (energetic) SPP
electrons and very neutron-rich nuclei simultaneously coexist with large fluxes of ULM
neutrons. In such environments, high occupation of local fermionic states may hinder beta-
delayed emission of fermions (neutrons and electrons – i.e., beta particles) into the local
continuum. All other things being equal, it may be ‘easier’ for nuclei to emit bosons (He-4
particles and gamma photons) that can quickly ‘bleed-off’ excess energy to de-excite


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - V

Discussion of ULM neutron captures starting with Carbon ‘seeds’
Depending on the Q-value of the related beta decay, beta-delayed neutrons have particle
energies that can range from as little as ~18 keV up to ~5+ MeV (e.g., N-22); however,
maximum measured neutron energies published in the literature are typically from <1 - 2 MeV
with peaks in their statistical distributions often falling between 0.25 - 0.50 MeV

While beta-delayed neutron decays and their related Q-values are shown in the network
diagrams, they do not appear to have substantial production cross-sections in LENR
systems. This conclusion is based on fact that in 20 years of episodically intense
measurement efforts, large fluxes of energetic neutrons have never been observed in any
LENR system. What is occasionally seen in experiments where neutrons are measured are
relatively small, ‘bursty’ fluxes of relatively low-energy neutrons that do not appear to
correlate strongly with the presence or absence of heat production. Indeed, one of the early
criticisms of “cold fusion” was that MeV-energy neutron production was many orders of
magnitude less than what would normally be expected from prosaic D-D fusion reactions

In some LENR systems, small amounts of beta-delayed neutron emissions may occur as a
given micron-scale, nuclear-active ‘patch’ site is in the process of ‘shutting down.’ That is,
when production of heavy electrons and ULM neutrons declines in such a site, unoccupied
fermionic states can then begin to open-up in the local continuum, allowing previously
‘frustrated’ beta decays to proceed that can in turn produce delayed neutron emissions


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - VI

Nine different ‘carbon cycle’ pathways can occur within the network
Model nucleosynthetic network herein has a total of Please see the Wikipedia article about the
CNO ‘carbon cycle’ in stars at:
cycle’
nine possible pathways that function as ‘leaky’ carbon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNO_cycle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNO_cycle
cycles, regenerating C-12, or C-13, or C-14 and In stars hotter and more massive than our
producing one He-4 atom (alpha particle) per cycle sun, CNO-I cycle produces 26.77 MeV/He-4
CNO- MeV/He-
Adjusted net Qvs (assume D used to make
Total ‘raw’ Q-values for the model’s 9 different carbon ULM neutrons; ‘gross’ Qv is adjusted to
gross’
cycles range from ~30.0 MeV/He-4 to ~43.2 MeV/He-4; reflect an input energy ‘cost’ of 0.39
cost’
MeV/neutron) for the model’s nine different
model’
when you adjust for the energetic ‘cost’ of making ULM carbon cycle pathways are calculated as
neutrons, net Qvs range from ~28.4 to ~40.9 MeV/He-4 follows (in MeV): 40.86, 40.86, 33.05, 40.76,
32.95, 28.44, 40.76, 32.95, and 28.44/He-4
28.44/He-
These LENR carbon cycles are ‘leaky’ in that they are an Note: some pathways have identical net Qv
Note:
incidental byproduct of a ULM neutron-driven Based on branching values measured in
nucleosynthetic network that is constantly ‘trying’ to isolated RNB fragments (12.2% for N-18) the
N-
four ~40 MeV paths might appear to be most
produce stable nuclei at higher and higher values of A probable. However, as we discussed, it
appears very likely that these branching
He-4 is a boson; has no ‘Fermi pressure’ issues with ratios could have very different values in
occupied local states like neutrons and electrons. Can operating LENR systems; for discussion
purposes, let’s assume that is true. Note that
let’
serve as a ‘bosonic sink’ in LENR systems; also can model’s Qvs fall into two groups: four high-
model’ high-
readily leave nuclear-active sites in the form of a gas energy paths (avg. net Qv = 40.81) and five
lower-energy paths (avg. net Qv = 31.17
lower-
LENR carbon cycles will continue to operate as long as MeV/He-4). A simple average of the two
MeV/He-
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 group average Qvs is 35.99 MeV/He-4. Also
MeV/He-
ULM neutrons are available to ‘drive’ reaction network note: all values larger than CNO-I in stars
note: CNO-


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - VII

ULM neutron fluxes and traversing the Fluorine ‘valley of death’
LENR nucleosynthetic networks operating in condensed Please see the redirected Wikipedia article on the
chemistry of Fluorine at:
matter have issues with produced Fluorine that are not http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flourine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flourine
present with ions in fusion-based stellar environments Also see a short article by: T. Furuya and T. Ritter,
“Carbon-Fluorine Reductive Elimination from a
Carbon-
High-Valent Palladium Fluoride,” J. Am. Chem. Soc.
High- Fluoride,”
LENR-active micron-scale ‘patch’ sites in condensed 130, pp. 10060 - 10061, 2008 at:
matter systems must maintain coherent oscillations of http://www.chem.harvard.edu/groups/ritter/publicati
ons/page12/files/2008-10060j.pdf
ons/page12/files/2008-
protons or deuterons on surfaces for weak interaction
In carbon-capture LENR systems, all other things being
carbon-
ULMN production to continue locally without interruption equal, the greater the input energy (e.g., in the form of
electrical current) per unit of time, the higher the
potential rate of ULM neutron production. The higher
Free Fluorine atoms or F2 molecules produced by LENR the neutron flux, the more effectively and quickly an
network in nuclear-active ‘patches’ will react violently with LENR system will be able to traverse Fluorine’s ‘valley
Fluorine’
of death.’ Systems producing much smaller neutron
death.’
any nearby hydrogen atoms (producing HF, DF, or TF), fluxes in comparison to well-performing aqueous
well-
electrolytic cells (e.g., using pressure and heat-driven
heat-
carbon atoms (making fluorinated carbons with ultra- H/D ion permeation-diffusion a la Iwamura et al.’s
permeation- al.’
strong C-F bonds), or metal atoms, e.g., PdF6. Such experiments) will likely have difficulty going beyond
Oxygen, let alone Fluorine. Rates of chemical reactions
energetic chemical reactions can disrupt coherence in can vary from 10-10 sec to > 1 second. In particular, for
reactions F + H2 HF + H and F + D2 DF + D the
‘patches,’ thus creating a potential ‘valley of death’ that measured rate constants at 195-294o K are 1.54 x 10-10
195-
LENR networks must necessarily traverse in order to be and 0.82 x 10-10 cm3/sec. Therefore, the higher a ULM
neutron production rate is above the key value of 1010
able to create heavier elements at higher values of A cm2/sec, the easier it will be for a Carbon-seed LENR
Carbon-
network to produce higher-A isotopes beyond Fluorine
higher-

Best strategy to traverse ‘valley of death’ is to combine See: Igoshin et al., “Determination of the rate
constant of the chemical reaction F + H2(D2)
very high rates of ULM neutron production with largest- HF(DF) + H(D) from the stimulated emission of HF
molecules,” Soviet Journal of Quantum Electronics
molecules,”
possible physical dimensions of2007
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4,
LENR-active ‘patches’ 3 pp. 306-311 1974
306-


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ULMN catalyzed LENR network starting from 6C12 - VIII

β decays of neutron-rich isotopes can release large amounts of energy
The good news about Uranium and Plutonium fission reactions Please see:
see:

is that they have Qvs of ~190+ MeV, releasing most of their France et al., “Absolute branching ratio of
beta-delayed gamma-ray emission of 18N”
beta- gamma-
energy on a time scale of ~10-19 seconds in the form of prompt http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/astro-
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/astro-
neutron and gamma radiation as well as fast moving, neutron- ph/pdf/0307/0307129v2.pdf (2003)

rich, asymmetric fission fragments comprising unstable Controversy about measurements:
measurements:

products that undergo further decays; bad news is production Buchmann et al., “Some remarks about β-
delayed α-decay of 16N” at:
of large quantities of prompt ‘hard’ radiation and hazardous http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0907/090
long-lived radioactive isotopes; massive shielding is mandatory 7.5340v1.pdf (2009)
Other measurements:
measurements:
Good news about ‘cleaner’ D-T fusion reactions in commercial
C. S. Sumithrarachchi, PhD thesis, Michigan
Sumithrarachchi,
power reactors is Qv of ~17.6 MeV; bad news is that much of the State University, “The study of beta-delayed
beta-
energy released is in the form of hard to manage 14.1 MeV neutron decay near the neutron drip line” at:
line”

neutrons along with gammas and neutron-induced radioactivity http://www.nscl.msu.edu/ourlab/publications
/download/Sumithrarachchi2007_231.pdf
in apparatus; high temps create huge engineering problems (2007)
Raabe et al., “Beta-delayed deuteron
Beta-
Good news about LENR-based nucleosynthetic networks is that emission from 11Li: decay of the halo” ” at:
halo”
they do not produce biologically significant quantities of hard http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0810/081
gamma/neutron radiation or hazardous long-lived radioactive 0.0779v1.pdf (2008)
Comment: please recall that fission and fusion
Comment:
isotopes; in contrast to fission/fusion, no bad news for LENRs reactions mainly involve the strong interaction,
whereas key nuclear processes in LENRs
Many scientists mistakenly believe that weak interactions are involve weak interaction, i.e., ULM neutron
production via e+p or e+d and beta decays
weak energetically;Nature, 445, incorrect. In network herein, N-17
Source of Graphic:
that is January 4, 2007
and N-18 beta - decays release 22.8 and 23.8 MeV, respectively


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Review and discussion of LENR experiments - I
Metallic Palladium (substrate for nuclear-active sites) with Carbon
1999 SRI replication of 1998 Case/D2 gas; McKubre et al.


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1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - I
SRI replicates 1998 Case experiment – measurements of He-4 and heat
Details of these experiments at SRI are fully Please see:
described in two papers cited to the right McKubre et al., “The emergence of a coherent
explanation for anomalies observed in D/Pd and H/Pd
Goals of Case replication experiments at SRI system: Evidence for 4He and 3He production” ICCF-8
production” ICCF-
were to measure the following parameters conference, Lerici, Italy (2000)
Lerici,

over the duration of a given experiment: (a.) Free document available online at:
at:
excess heat with calorimetry; and (b.) http://www.lenr-
http://www.lenr-
production of Helium (He-4) with mass canr.org/acrobat/McKubreMCHtheemergen.pdf

spectrometry – by design, no other types of Another detailed description and extensive discussion of
this experimental work can be found in a document
nuclear transmutation products were prepared for the DOE technical review of “cold fusion” that
fusion”
measured or assayed during the experiments occurred in November 2004:

Commercial preparations of ‘activated’ C --- Hagelstein et al., “New physical effects in metal
deuterides” (see Section 3. “Helium and excess heat”
deuterides” heat”
carbon powder (ordinary charcoal, containing on pp. 7 – 10, especially Fig. 6 on pp. 8 showing helium
0.4 - 0.5% of finely-divided, nano/micron-sized increase vs. estimated energy, as well as the long
particles of Pd) were placed in steel vessels, discussion found in Appendix B. “Results for the Case
experiment at SRI” from pp. 18 - 21)
SRI”
after which they were filled with D2 or H2 gas
can be found at: http://www.lenr-
http://www.lenr-
under 1- 3 atm. of pressure and sealed tightly. canr.org/acrobat/Hagelsteinnewphysica.pdf
They were then heated up to 170 – 250o C and In January 2005, copies of written comments submitted by
left to ‘cook’ for up to 45+ days. Heat evolution the outside scientists on the 2004 DOE “cold fusion” review
fusion”
was measured continuously; Helium-isotopes panel were leaked to the public; it is a truly fascinating 45-
45-
page document that can be found at:
were measured either by taking 2007
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, samples at
intervals or at the end of a given experiment http://www.lenr-canr.org/acrobat/DOEusdepartme.pdf
http://www.lenr-


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - II
SRI replication of 1998 Case experiment in light of W-L theory of LENRs
In the light of the Widom-Larsen theory of
LENRs, it is apparent that Case replication
experiments at SRI were, in some ways,
conceptually similar to Mitsubishi/Iwamura
experiments (see Lattice Technical Overview
dated June 25, 2009, Slides # 44 - 45)
Case experiment is similar to Iwamura’s in
that the external input energy required to
produce ULM neutrons comes from just a
combination of pressure/temperature-driven
loading of D+ or H+ ion fluxes into Pd (no
external electric currents are applied)
According to W-L theory, this means that ULM “Figure 11. Configuration of the Case experiment at SRI.”
neutron fluxes produced in such cells would Source: Hagelstein et al., “New physical effects in metal
likely be substantially less than ULM neutron deuterides” - this Figure found in Appendix B. “Results for
deuterides”
fluxes observed in well-performing Pons- the Case experiment at SRI” on pp. 19 of 2004 paper
SRI”
Fleischmann-type electrolytic experiments Note: one flask contains D2 gas under pressure and the
Note:
second flask contains H2 gas at the same pressure
ULMNs would be produced on outer surfaces
Evolved gases are acquired for measurement in a mass
of Pd particles in intimate contact w. Carbon; spectrometer by bleeding-off small samples through the
bleeding-
nuclear products Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 be on top
Source of Graphic: (e.g., He-4) would valves in extraction tubes shown at top of diagram
of such surfaces or released directly into gas

Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - III
Central results of SRI’s replication of Case experiments - I
Note: Figure 1 was present in the original conference report Note: present in 2000 and in paper specially prepared for DOE in 2004
prepared by McKubre et al. for presentation at ICCF-8 in 2000

Figure 1 and its related text were
not present in paper prepared in
2004 for DOE review panel

Discrepancy between D-D ‘cold”
fusion hypothesis and
experimental observations

This Figure (but not the caption)
present on pp. 6 in earlier paper
Note: green dashed line predicted by D-D fusion; blue solid line was observed presented at ICCF-8 in 2000

“It is clear from the slopes of these two lines that the observed 4He constitutes only 76 “Figure 6. Excess energy determined by gradient (boxes) and differential (diamonds)
± 30% of the 4He predicted by equation [1]. A more significant problem in Figure 1 is calorimetric methods plotted against the increase in 4He concentration in a metal-sealed
that three further 4He samples, taken at times of non-zero excess power (open helium leak-tight vessel. The experiment was performed by heating palladium on carbon
diamonds), exhibited helium concentrations only at the level of the analytical hydrogenation catalyst materials to ∼190o C in ∼3 atmospheres of D2 gas pressure (see
uncertainty, as did numerous samples taken in the apparent absence of excess power Appendix B).”
production. Clearly if 4He is produced in association with excess power, it is not
released to the gas phase immediately, or completely.” Source of Figure and caption: Hagelstein et al., “New physical
caption:
effects in metal deuterides” - this Figure is found on pp. 8 of 2004
deuterides”
paper specially prepared for the DOE “cold fusion” review panel
fusion”
Source of Figure and caption: McKubre et al., “The emergence of
caption:
a coherent explanation for anomalies observed in D/Pd and H/Pd Note measured results: 31 to 32 MeV/He-4, plus or minus an est.
results: MeV/He-
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007
system: Evidence for 4He and 3He production” pp. 3
production” error of plus or minus 13 MeV (range of heat/He-4 is ~18 - 45 MeV)
heat/He-


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - IV
Central results of SRI’s replication of Case experiments - II
Figure is present in 2000 and in paper prepared for DOE in 2004 Figure is present in 2000 and in paper prepared for DOE in 2004

See
discussion of
anomalous
declining He
ppm in this
region in
Slide #37

“Figure 12. Results of 4He measurements from the case experiment at SRI.” “Figure 13. Excess energy and helium production as a function of time
from the Case experiment at SRI.”
Quoting caption in 2000 paper: “Figure 2 [labeled as Figure 12 in 2004 paper]
summarizes 6 of 16 results obtained in paired cells…Using direct, on-line, high- Quoting caption in 2000 paper: “The energy estimated in excess of that provided by
resolution mass spectrometric measurement of [4He] we observed the following the heater for these two calorimetric methods is plotted in Figure 3 [labeled as Figure
behaviors: (i) cells that show no increase of 4He over long periods of time (including 12 in 2004 paper], together with the measured helium concentration during the time
all cells operated with H2 instead of D2); (ii) cells that exhibit a slow, approximately of greatest derivative, ∂ [4He]/ ∂t in experiment SC2. It is clear that the appearance of
exponential increase in [4He] with time; (iii) cells that display no measurable increase excess heat and the apparent increase in [4He] are temporally correlated … [now
in [4He] for a period of several days, followed by a rapid, approximately linear rise in from 2004] …There is reasonable confidence that the 4He source of the rising trends
[4He] to levels sometimes exceeding that of the ambient background.” in Figures 12 and 13 is not a release of stored 4He from the catalyst …” ”

Source of Figure and caption: Hagelstein et al., “New physical
caption: Source of Figure and caption: Hagelstein et al., “New physical
effects in Source deuterides” - this Figure is found on pp. 20 of
metal deuterides”
of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 effects in metal deuterides” - this Figure is found on pp. 21 of
deuterides”
2004 paper prepared for the DOE “cold fusion” review panel
fusion” 2004 paper prepared for the DOE “cold fusion” review panel
fusion”


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - V

Initial discussion of SRI’s replication of Case experiments
Results shown in Figs. 1, 6, 12, and 13 show strong As to McKubre et al.’s attempted
al.’
positive correlation between the production of He-4 explanation for the observed discrepancy,
and production of excess heat in Pd/C/D LENR system please see their ICCF-8 paper (2000) cited
ICCF-
on Slide #20; quoting directly from it:
Depending on the calorimetric estimation method, pp. 3 “… if 4He is produced in association with
quantitative results shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 13 indicate excess power, it is not released to the gas phase
immediately, or completely.”
completely.”
a value of excess heat produced per observed He-4 pp. 6 [paragraph beneath Fig. 4] “Clarification of a
atom of ~31 to 32 MeV along with an estimated possible origin for the apparent 4He deficit in
experimental error of plus or minus ~13 MeV; this error experiments “1” and “2” can be obtained from the
results of experiment “3”. Approximately 82 kJ of
results in likely range of values from ~18-45 MeV excess heat was measured in the electrolysis of a
100 mm x 1mm Pd wire cathode in D2O. This
Authors implicitly assumed that only one heat- experiment was performed in a rigorously metal
sealed and helium leak-tested cell and apparatus
leak-
producing nuclear process could possibly take place provided with the facility to sample the gas in the
in their system: D-D “cold fusion” reaction wherein headspace. When initially analyzed following a
period of excess power production, the gas phase
D+ + D+ He-4 + [heat] with a Qv = 23.846 MeV (BNL) contained only 62% of the 4He expected if reaction
[1] were the source of the excess heat. A second
Issue with SRI’s results: authors’ D-D “cold fusion” sample showed an increase in [4He] despite the fact
that the helium content of the vessel had been
hypothesis predicted a Qv of ~23.8 MeV/He-4, but diluted with D2 containing low levels of 4He, in order
values of 31 – 32 MeV/He-4 were actually measured to make up the initial gas volume after the first gas
sample. Taking these increases as evidence of
sequestered 4He, the cathode was subjected to an
Question: how can one explain discrepancy between extended period (~200 hours) of compositional and
measured quantities of excess heat vs. amount of He-4 temperature cycling by varying the current density in
both anodic and cathodic directions.”
directions.”
detected with mass spectroscopy of gas samples?


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - VI

MeV/He-4 discrepancy in SRI’s replication of Case experiments - I
There are several aspects to the discrepancy between Continuing to quote directly from McKubre et
theory (hypothesized D-D “cold fusion” reaction) and al.’s ICCF-8 paper (2000): pp. 6 – 7 “A mass
al.’ ICCF-
balance of 4He was calculated based on two
experiment in McKubre et al.’s published results: further gas samples: one to determine the helium
content of the D2 gas used initially to fill and refill
1. Shortfall in amount of observed He-4 relative to what the sealed metal cell (0.34 ± 0.007 ppmV); the
is theoretically predicted by the “cold” D-D fusion other to measure the final helium concentration in
the gas phase after exercising the cathode to
reaction. Assuming that McKubre et al.’s calorimetry release trapped gases (2.08 ± 0.01 ppmV).
was accurate (heat measured correctly) and that all Taking into account the amounts lost by sampling,
their mass spectrometry data on He-4 was correct, and introduced with make-up D2, a calculated
make-
where did all the Helium-4 produced by the “cold” D-D mass balance for 4He in the gas phase after
compositional and thermal cycling of the cathode
reaction go? If He-4 did not leak-out, and since it will results in a number that is 104 ± 10% of the
not react chemically with any materials inside number of atoms quantitatively correlated with the
apparatus (which could produce molecular ions that observed heat via reaction [1].”
[1].”
may ‘confuse’ a mass spectrometer), then what? Reiterating the magnitude of the issue with
the anomalously ‘lost’ He-4, they state: pp. 6
lost’ He-
2. Odd anomaly of declining Helium concentrations “When initially analyzed following a period of
observed in sealed vessels that occurred beyond day excess power production, the gas phase
contained only 62% of the 4He expected if
#20 in experiments SC2 and SC4.2 as shown in Figure reaction [1] were the source of the excess heat”
heat”
12 on left-hand side of Slide #23 – was that the result
Finally they conclude that: pp. 8 “Evidence for
of: (a) leakage from the vessels; (b) ad- or ab- sorption near-surface retention of 4He in the lattice can be
near-
of helium onto/into materials (Pd, C, or Fe) found used to accommodate the discrepancy between
within theGraphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 else?
Source of vessels; or (c) something
measured and expected yields of 4He.”
He.”


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - VII
MeV/He-4 discrepancy in SRI’s replication of Case experiments - II
Leakage from experimental vessels was rapidly (and al.’
As to Hagelstein et al.’s discussion of the
observed discrepancy four years later,
correctly) ruled-out as an explanation for discrepancy please see their paper for the DOE “cold
fusion” review panel (2004) cited on Slide
fusion”
Elimination of leakage left three remaining possibilities: #20; quoting directly from it:

1. During experiments, Helium was being absorbed and/or pp. 7 “If helium were created in the cathode
interior, then one might expect to see helium
adsorbed by one or more materials found inside the dissolved in the metal. If helium were
sealed vessels (including vessel walls); in order of produced near the surface, then perhaps it
physical abundance and exposed surface area, these gas.”
would show up in the surrounding gas.”
materials included: Carbon (C – charcoal), Palladium pp. 8 [following a paragraph discussing He-4
He-
(Pd), and 316-series stainless steel (Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn) measurements of Miles & Bush, McKubre,
and Gozzi] “Several important conclusions
Gozzi]
2. If it were truly present above levels attributable to can be drawn from the studies cited above …
external contamination, He-4 is undeniably a product of amount of helium observed in the gas stream
is generally within a factor of about 2 less than
nuclear processes. That being the case, perhaps other would be expected for a reaction mechanism
heat- and/or He-4-producing nuclear reactions besides consistent with D + D -> 4He … Helium is
D-D fusion took place in their Case Pd/C/D experimental partly retained, and dissolved helium is
released only slowly to the gas phase for
systems (not considered by McKubre et al.; no other analysis.”
analysis.”
‘nuclear ash’ besides He was assayed)
pp. 9 [in Section 3.2 “Reaction Q Value”] “One
Value”
3. He-4 was actually being consumed as a reactant by can measure energy production, and assay
for 4He in the gas stream or the solid, with
other non-fusion nuclear reactions that transmuted it to uncertainties introduced in the reaction energy
some other element besides Helium (not considered by Q because all of the helium produced may
McKubre/Hagelstein et al.; only considered Item 1.)
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 not be accounted for in the measurement.

August 10, 2009

Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - VIII
MeV/He-4 discrepancy in SRI’s replication of Case experiments - III
With regard to the 1999 Pd/C/D Case replication Continuing to quote from Hagelstein et
experiments reviewed herein, please note it is al.’
al.’s discussion of the discrepancy in their
paper for DOE panel (2004) cited on Slide
Lattice’s considered opinion that McKubre et al.’s : #20; at this point, they are discussing an
Reported calorimetric measurements of excess aqueous electrolytic experiment in LiOD
that purportedly ‘proves’ that 4He is ad- or
proves’ ad-
heat production were probably accurate; ab-sorbed on/in Pd and can be ‘liberated’
ab - liberated’
Initially reported mass spectrometric assays of exercising’
into gas stream by ‘exercising’ the LENR
cathode with imposed deuterium fluxes:
observed He-4 atoms were probably accurate;
pp. 9 - 10 “After making these measurements,
Conclusion that leakage and/or external an attempt was made to dislodge near surface
contamination were not significant issues in the 4He either thermally or by D atom motion by
experimental results was probably correct; subjecting the cathode to a period of
compositional cycling, while still sealed in
Belief that “cold” D-D fusion was the only nuclear the calorimeter. Square and sine wave
reaction that could possibly take place in their modulations of varying period and amplitude
were imposed on the DC (negative) potential at
experiments was incorrect; and that their, the Pd electrode in an attempt to flux
Explanation for the discrepancy was incorrect. deuterium atoms through the interface and
near-
thus act to dislodge near-surface ad- or
ad-
An erroneous “cold fusion” conceptual paradigm absorbed 4He atoms. At the end of this period,
the potential was reversed to withdraw all
clearly influenced their experimental approach (e.g., deuterium atoms from the Pd bulk. No excess
did not bother to look for any other ‘nuclear ash’ heat was observed during the periods of
besides Helium isotopes) and hampered their ability oscillation although calorimetric uncertainties
were large due to the strong departures from
to properly interpret numerous anomalies present the steady state that accompanied the pulsing.”
pulsing.
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007
in their reported experimental results


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - IX
MeV/He-4 discrepancy in SRI’s replication of Case experiments - IV
Continuing to quote from Hagelstein et al.’s
al.’
Please see excerpts of McKubre/Hagelstein et al.’s discussion of the discrepancy in their paper
explanation for the observed discrepancy in the right- for DOE panel (2004) cited on Slide #20:
hand columns on Slides # 24 – 28 (this slide) pp. 10 “Gas samples were taken before this
procedure, again after purging the cell and refilling
Underlying logic behind their explanation is that: with D2 from the gas bottle with 0.34 ppmV 4He,
and once more after cycling. The latter sample
After Helium was produced in gas-phase Case Pd/C/D exhibited the highest concentration of 4He
reaction cell, rather than virtually all of it being released measured in this cell, specifically 2.077±0.01
2.077±
almost immediately into the nearby gas, some ppmV/V. By making a proper mass balance of the
significant portion of produced He-4 was sequestered helium lost through sampling and purging, and
in activated Carbon material (powder form with 0.4 - that gained through make-up from the gas bottle,
make-
it is possible to assess with defined uncertainty
0.5% Pd); it was ad- or ab-sorbed into Pd and/or Carbon the results of deuterium fluxing in freeing lightly
(charcoal) and did not enter gas trapped 4He. The final integral mass balance
He.
If significant % of produced He-4 is ‘locked-up’ in yielded a value of 104± 10% of the expected
104±
value if the excess power in Figure 5 is due to a
materials inside reaction vessels, smaller numbers of reaction of the sort D+D → 4He + ∼ 23.8 MeV
He-4 atoms will be detected in samples analyzed in a (heat) … This value remains the most accurately
mass spectrometer; effectively increases amount of determined in this field (in the sense that
calorimetrically measured heat (MeV) per detected He-4 contributions from both the gas stream and the
atom, thus MeV/He-4 values ‘artificially’ high metal are included), but it suffers from the
included),
criticisms that the numbers of samples were few,
To support their argument, SRI conducted yet and the largest value of 4He measured was less
than 50% of that in air … Q value of 31 ± 13 and
another experiment that they claim ‘proved’ He-4 was 32 ± 13 MeV per 4He atom measured is also
sequestered in Pd metal; that one involved very consistent with the reaction D+D → 4He + ∼ 23.8
different-type of aqueousJanuary 4, 2007 electrolytic cell
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, Pd/LiOD MeV (heat). Because of the importance of this
result, it is discussed further in Appendix B.”
B.


Lattice Energy LLC
1999: SRI replication of Case/D2 gas by McKubre et al. - X

MeV/He-4 discrepancy in SRI’s replication of Case experiments - V
Continuing to quote from Hagelstein et al.’s paper for
al.’
Separate experiment designed to supposedly DOE panel (2004); this excerpt is from Section 2.6 titled
“Deuterium Flux and Triggering Issues”:
Issues”
demonstrate release of bound Helium from Pd was
conducted at SRI and involved a, “Johnson Matthey pp. 6 “The excess heat effect is often observed to be
stimulated by changes in the experimental conditions …
Pd wire cathode 10 cm long and 1 mm diameter in 1.0 Bockris described a regimen in which the current periodically
M LiOD containing 200 ppm Al.” (from caption below changed direction ... Quantitative evidence indicating that
Fig. 5 on pp. 6 of 2004 DOE Review paper) - very deuterium flux plays an important role in determining the
excess heat in a Fleischmann-Pons cell was found at SRI …
Fleischmann-
different from gas-phase Case Pd/C But experiments seem to show that deuterium flux makes a
difference, independent of whether it is incoming, outgoing,
Bound Helium was to be released from the Pd wire axial, or traversing.”
traversing.”
by, “… subjecting the cathode to a period of By their own words quoted above, they admit that in
compositional cycling, while still sealed in the LENRs, enhanced Deuterium flux is very important to
calorimeter. Square and sine wave modulations of triggering production of excess heat and He-4. That
He-
varying period and amplitude were imposed on the DC being the case, couldn’t more new He-4 be produced by
couldn ’ He-
precisely the procedure they are describing to the left
(negative) potential at the Pd electrode in an attempt that is supposedly designed to dislodge ‘old’ bound
old’
to flux deuterium atoms through the interface and thus Helium atoms? If excess heat were produced during that
act to dislodge near-surface ad- or absorbed 4He procedure, any detected He-4 could not be
He-
atoms. At the end of this period, the potential was unequivocally attributed solely to the release of bound
‘old’ He-4 because it could just as easily have been
old’ He-
reversed to withdraw all deuterium atoms from the Pd.” atoms of newly produced He-4. Conveniently they say:
He-
(pp. 9 of 2004 DOE Review paper – see Slide #27) –
pp. 10 “No excess heat was observed during the periods of
main goal of this procedure was to significantly oscillation although calorimetric uncertainties were large due
accelerate D+ ion flux thru the Pd surface region
Source of Graphic: Nature, 445, January 4, 2007 to the strong departures from the steady state that
accompanied the pulsing.” [caveat re calorimetry errors]
pulsing.”


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