Triple tracks in CR-39 as the result of Pd–D Co-deposition: evidence of energetic neutrons

Abstract

Since the announcement by Fleischmann and Pons that the excess enthalpy generated in the negatively polarized Pd-D-D(2)O system was attributable to nuclear reactions occurring inside the Pd lattice, there have been reports of other manifestations of nuclear activities in this system. In particular, there have been reports of tritium and helium-4 production; emission of energetic particles, gamma or X-rays, and neutrons; as well as the transmutation of elements. In this communication, the results of Pd-D co-deposition experiments conducted with the cathode in close contact with CR-39, a solid-state nuclear etch detector, are reported. Among the solitary tracks due to individual energetic particles, triple tracks are observed. Microscopic examination of the bottom of the triple track pit shows that the three lobes of the track are splitting apart from a center point. The presence of three alpha-particle tracks outgoing from a single point is diagnostic of the (12)C(n,n')3alpha carbon breakup reaction and suggests that DT reactions that produce > or = 9.6 MeV neutrons are occurring inside the Pd lattice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the production of energetic (> or = 9.6 MeV) neutrons in the Pd-D system.

From the similarities between neutrons and radon to advanced radon-detection and improved cold fusion neutron-measurements

“…Once exposed, the CR-39 has been etched by using the same etching procedure used for neutron monitoring (Tommasino, 2012). The radon absorbed into the CR-39 detector itself, together with its short-lived decay products( 218 Po and 218 Po), emit three different alpha particles (Fig.3).These three tracks, outgoing from the same point in CR-39, are similar to the triple alpha-track event, claimed to be produced in CR-39 by the neutron-induced reaction with carbon nuclei [39] …”

Comments on “A new look at low-energy nuclear reaction research”

“…Unfortunately, these images do not look very much like the triplets that they are supposed to be. Pictures of triplets in references [42][43][44][45] cited by the SPAWAR group 46 clearly show shape and spatial features absent from the picture in Figure 12. Instead the three pits in Figure 12 seem to be accidentally coincident pits.…”

“…Little 30 has also attempted to replicate the SPAWAR-type experiments, which use CR-39 plates in the electrolyte (or very near the cathode in one publication [46][47][48]. While observing pits, Little found a variety of claims made by the SPAWAR group were inaccurate, one even being admitted to during the experimentation with a resultant change in protocol recommended by the SPAWAR group 30 .…”

A new look at low-energy nuclear reaction (LENR) research: a response to Shanahan

“…15 These triple tracks have been observed on both the front and back surfaces of the CR-39 detectors. 15,16 They have not been observed in CR-39 detectors used in either control experiments or blanks. The triple track shown in Figure 12 of the K&M review is similar to those observed in CR-39 detectors that have been exposed to a DT neutron source.…”