Neutron Production via Electron Capture by Coherent Protons

TL;DR

This paper explores how coherent vibrational states in quantum plasmas of metal hydrides can enable low-energy neutron production through weak interactions, supported by theoretical analysis of their stability and energy transfer capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism for neutron production via coherent vibrational states in quantum plasmas, with theoretical calculations of production rates.

Findings

Coherent vibrational states are stable with a 1 eV energy gap.

Neutrons produced are at rest and confined within the metal.

Theoretical framework enables neutron production rate calculation.

Abstract

I consider coherent vibrational states of the quantum plasmas formed by the conduction electrons and protons inside a metal hydride. Such states can interact coherently through weak interaction to produce neutrons at very low energy. The existence of the vibrational coherent states is supported by a recent theoretical analysis showing that these configurations are characterized by an energy gap of the order of 1 eV per particle compared to the incoherent configurations and are therefore dynamically stable. When excited coherently, these configurations are able to transfer their energy, enabling highly energetic mechanisms. In this paper I show how it is possible to produce neutrons through such a coherent mechanism. The produced neutrons are essentially at rest and remain confined within the metal. The theory developed allows for the theoretical calculation of the production rate of neutrons.