Cold Fusion

Cold Fusion

In 1989, an experiment performed at the University of Utah by Pons and Fleischmann's which claimed to have demonstrated fusion. The experiment was essentially an electrolysis cell, consisting of Platinum and Palladium electrodes placed in heavy-water (D2O). When the experiment was performed, it was found that the more heat was produced than can could be accounted for by chemical processes alone. Pons and Fleischmann concluded that the excess heating must be nuclear in origin.

The experiment hinges on the accuracy of the calorimetry used to determine the heating. More accurate calorimeters were tried and the heating effect was found to be significant. Other researchers found it difficult to reproduce the results so, after an initial media frenzy, the claims were widely dismissed.

Despite the general lack of acceptance by the mainstream scientific community, research continues by a few. In 2004, the Department of Energy peer reviewed the experimental evidence for cold fusion. It concluded that:

"The experimental data shows evidence of: the existence of a physical effect that produces heat in metal deuterides".

"The production of 42He in amounts commensurate with a 21H + 21H -> 42He reaction mechanism, a physical effect that results in the emission of energetic particles."

"The underlying process that produce these results are not manifestly evident from experiment. The scientific questions posed by these experiments are both worthy and capable of resolution by a dedicated program of scientific research".