[This depressing note is from Melvin Miles.]
On January 24, 2005 I submitted a White Paper Proposal to Dr. James
Decker of DOE. Basically, I proposed experiments to optimize the
cold
fusion excess power effects by going to higher temperatures.
For
materials, I proposed using Pd-B alloys prepared by NRL and
co-deposition
materials prepared by the methods of Drs. Stan Szpak and Pam
Mosier-Boss.
My proposal was forwarded to Jim Horwitz (tel. 301-903-4894) of DOE
(Basic Energy Sciences) who telephoned me on February 17 with his
feedback that was mostly negative. Some of his comments are as
follows
to the best of my memory.
1. Proposals for the optimization of cold fusion nuclear effects
cannot
be considered because the 18 DOE panel members concluded that such
nuclear effects do not exist.
2. Electrochemical cells have been studied to death, for example,
by
McKubre at SRI. Proposals of further electrochemical studies will
likely
not be funded by DOE.
3. Any proposed new experiments need an acceptable theory to
justify
such further studies.
4. More peer-reviewed journal publications are needed before this
field
can be considered for funding.
Because of these points, Jim Horwitz concluded that he could not
justify
sending my proposal out for review.
Based on this experience, I think it is unlikely that DOE will fund
any
research on cold fusion. If anyone has a more positive encounter
with
DOE please let me know.
Mel Miles
