Framework for Understanding Lenr Processes, Using Conventional Condensed Matter Physics

Abstract

Conventional Condensed Matter physics provides a unifying framework for understanding Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR's) in solids. In the paper, standard many-body physics techniques are used to illustrate this fact. Specifically, the paper shows that formally the theories by Schwinger, Hagelstein, and Chubb and Chubb (C&C), all can be related to a common set of equations, associated with reaction rate and energy transfer, through a standard many-body physics procedure (R-Matrix theory). In each case, particular forms of coherence are used that implicitly provide a mechanism for understanding how LENR's can proceed without the emission of high energy particles. In addition, additional ideas, associated with Conventional Condensed Matter physics, are used to extend the earlier Ion Band State (IBS) model by C&C. The general model clarifies the origin of coherent processes that initiate LENR's, through the onset of ion conduction that can occur through ionic fluctuations in nanoscale crystals. In the case of PdD x , these fluctuations begin to occur as x→1 in sub-lattice structures with characteristic dimensions of 60 nm. The resulting LENR's are triggered by the polarization between injected d's and electrons (immediately above the Fermi energy) that takes place in finite-size PdD crystals. During the prolonged charging of PdD x , the applied, external electric field induces these fluctuations through a form of Zener tunneling that mimics the kind of tunneling, predicted by Zener, that is responsible for possible conduction (referred to as Zener-electric breakdown) in insulators. But because the fluctuations are ionic, and they occur in PdD, nano-scale structures , a more appropriate characterization is Zener-ionic breakdown in nano-crystalline PdD. Using the underlying dynamics, it is possible to relate triggering times that are required for the initiation of the effect, to crystal size and externally applied fields.

Overview of Light Water/Hydrogen-Based Low Energy Nuclear Reactions

“…In order to explain how the large coulombic barrier is overcome, many theories introduce a neutral particle in the reaction matrix. Some of the theories of this type include Neutron Cluster formation by Fisher [40], Free Neutron Reactions by Kozima [41], R-Matrix Theory by Chubb [42], Shrunken Hydrogen by Mills [43], Electron-Proton capture by Stoppini [44] and Proton/Deuteron Cluster by Dufour [45]. The challenge now is to sort out how any of these theories can explain the unique signatures of heat and varied transmutation products reported experimentally.…”