Errors in the Quantum Electrodynamic Mass Analysis of Hagelstein and Chaudhary

TL;DR

This paper defends previous low energy nuclear reaction rate calculations against criticisms, clarifying that the criticized calculations are flawed due to incorrect electromagnetic interaction assumptions, reaffirming the validity of the original results.

Contribution

The paper refutes specific errors in prior criticisms, demonstrating the correctness of earlier electron mass renormalization calculations in nuclear reaction contexts.

Findings

Criticisms are based on incorrect electromagnetic assumptions.

Original calculations remain valid after correcting errors.

Hagelstein and Chaudhary's analysis conflicts with fundamental electromagnetic laws.

Abstract

Hagelstein and Chaudhary have recently criticized our low energy nuclear reaction rates in chemical cells based on our computed electron mass renormalization for surface electrons of metal hydride electrodes. They further criticize our electron mass renormalization in exploding wire systems which is very strange because mass renormalization was {\em never even mentioned} in our exploding wire work. Here we show that the calculations of Hagelstein and Chaudhary are erroneous in that they are in conflict with the Gauss law, i.e. they have arbitrarily removed all Coulomb interactions in electromagnetic propagators. They have also ignored substantial Ampere interactions in favor of computing only totally negligible contributions. When the fallacious considerations of Hagelstein and Chaudhary are clearly exposed, it becomes evident that our previous calculations remain valid.