Re: [Phys-l] More cold fusion from UnderNews

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskil@mail.montclair.edu>]

On May 9, 2007, at 7:08 AM, Savinainen Antti wrote:

> also New Scientist (May 5 2007) features new cold fusion experiments
> (<http://www.newscientisttech.com/channel/tech/mg19426021.
> 000-cold-fusion--hot-news-again.html>). Interesting story...

1)  I criticized  reservation about preliminary conclusion at the March 
5, 2007 meeting of APS (American Physical Society). This is described 
in:

http://csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/cf/319galileo.html

An improved version of the SPAWAR experiment (using very thin mylar to 
protect the detector from the electrolyte) yielded a much more 
convincing confirmation that a nuclear effect of some kind is indeed 
triggered by a chemical process. That was the essence of Gordon's 
claim. Oriani, a retired electrochemist from the University of 
Minnesota, demonstrated this in 20 consecutive experiments. And my one 
attempt to replicate Oriani's results was highly successful. For more 
details see:

http://csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/cf/327squeeze.html

2) The experiment is simple and relatively inexpensive. Here is what 
one needs:

a) A d.c. power supply (variable voltage up to 10 V) to deliver no more 
that 100 mA)
b) A d.c. voltmeter and a d.c. milli-ammeter (to measure the above).
c) Several grams of Li2SO4 (plus common distilled water to make the 
electrolyte). Two grams of Li2SO4 for 100 cc of H2O.
d) A nickel wire of 0.25 mm diameter (or thicker), to make a cathode. 
About 15 cm
e) A platinum wire of 0.25 mm diameter (or thicker), to make an anode. 
About 15
f) CR-39 plastic and very thin mylar (6 microns or less). Also two 
special glass tubes to make a small cell.
g) Common NaOH, to prepare the etching 6.25 M solution.
h) An oven (or a hot plate with a thermostat) to etch the CR-39 at 
about 70 C
i) A microscope, most likely available in a biology lab.; preferably 
with a digital camera attached.

All this is commercially available. The role of a "starter," described 
at the above URL (see point 10), is not clear at this time. That why 
experiments without starters are highly desirable. In my opinion 
Oriani's setup is ideal for a supervised student research project. I 
would be happy to assist those who might be interested.
_______________________________________________________
Ludwik Kowalski, a retired physicist
5 Horizon Road, apt. 2702, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024, USA
Also an amateur journalist at http://csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/cf/