Lochon Catalyzed D-D Fusion in Deuterated Palladium in the Solid State

TL;DR

This paper proposes a mechanism where lochons in palladium deuteride catalyze deuterium fusion at room temperature, potentially explaining low-energy nuclear reactions in solid-state systems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of lochons facilitating D-D fusion in palladium deuteride, a novel approach to solid-state nuclear fusion mechanisms.

Findings

Fusion energy release of 23.8 MeV per reaction.

Calculated fusion reaction rate in the solid-state system.

Identification of conditions favoring lochon formation and fusion catalysis.

Abstract

Lochons (local charged bosons or local electron pairs) can form on D+ to give D- (bosonic ions) in Palladium Deuteride in the solid state. Such entities will occur at special sites or in linear channel owing to strong electron-phonon interaction or due to potential inversion on metallic electrodes. These lochons can catalyze D- - D+ fusion as a consequence of internal conversion leading to the formation of He-4 plus production of energy (Q=23.8 MeV) which is carried by the alpha particle and the ejected electron-pair. The reaction rate for this fusion process is calculated.