A Neutron Emission from Lithium Niobate Fracture

Abstract

We studied neutron emission from a crushing process of a Lithium-Niobate(LiNbO3) single crystal in deuterium gas atmosphere. We observed excess neutrons 3 counts/h with a confidence level of 99.95% that correspond 120 neutrons/h emission from process.

Neutron measurement during crushing of LiNbO3crystals in D2and H2atmospheres

“…LiNbO 3 crystals were fractured in a gas-tight vessel (stainless steel SUS304) using a vibro-mill (ITOH VP-100). 5,9) LiNbO 3 crystal samples were prepared as 3 in. wafers, cut from a CZ single-crystal rod having a 〈0114〉 growth direction, which was manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Mining, Yamaju Ceramics, and Koto Crystal.…”

“…The particles have enough energy to overcome the threshold of the second step (5). It is possible for the α particles emitted in the first step (4) to generate neutrons that collide with 7 Li atoms.…”

“…It has been reported that a mechanical effect on deuterated metals [1][2][3][4] and piezoelectric materials [5][6][7][8][9] gives rise to a d-d nuclear reaction. In this reaction a 2.45 MeV neutron is generated together with a 3 He nucleus.…”

“…In contrast, we experimentally found a new phenomenon of neutron emission in a fracturing process for LiNbO 3 single crystals, which are piezoelectric materials, in D 2 atmosphere. 5) Since then, we have studied the phenomenon under different experimental conditions and also clarified this phenomenon in inert gas, H 2 , atmosphere under the same experimental conditions as for D 2 atmosphere. 6) We assumed that the discharge process was induced by the high voltage in D 2 and H 2 gases similarly.…”