It is appreciated in the standard physics of the neutron that a small fraction
(approximately one in 1000) of the decay of free neutrons happens with an
emitted gamma (soft x-ray actually) - which is in addition to a slower beta
electron emission than normal, and also a neutrino. This channel is usually
ignored but its rare occurrence is not in question - it is fact.
The gamma (soft x-ray) is low energy - below the detection limits of many
meters and is absorbed by glass or metal. The neutrino is always difficult to
detect. The slower electron is also below the threshold of bremsstrahlung and
offers no easy detection - so in the end - this kind of rare neutron decay
would be all but undetectable - without the most sophisticated equipment (which
is how it was detected in the first place).
Poser: What happens when a rare decay channel becomes the predominant channel
due to containment in a metal matrix?
If the unique detail about LENR in general (nearly undetectable radiation)
means it cannot be nuclear fusion at all - but instead there is a shift to a
rare but known type of neutron decay, characterized by a soft gamma photon and
which is actually an expected result of neutron hopping - which is itself
facilitated by absorption in a metal matrix then ... voila - many difficult
questions have a ready answer which is backed by standard physics (well, backed
to a greater extent than real fusion).
In the end, there is excess heat but no fusion and no helium. Instead of
fusion, the excess energy comes from nuclear decay of temporarily unbound
neutrons in which the small fraction of the decay channel becomes the
predominant pathway. This would be following a free neutron event (hopping).
Curiously, those who espouse "hopping" seldom take the next logical step -
which supplies a more elegant picture of the complete dynamics.
-
n 0
→
p +
+
e −
+
ν
e + γ
- (the neutron decays to a proton, electron, neutrino and soft gamma -
none of which is easily detectable). The excess energy is much greater than
chemical and much less than fusion.
As Wiki sez: this gamma ray may be thought of as a sort of "internal
bremsstrahlung" that arises as the emitted beta particle (electron) interacts
with the electrical charge of the proton in an electromagnetic way. That
explanation clouds the distinction of whether the photon is a gamma ray or
x-ray so they are interchangeable here.
In this process, a decent fraction of the decay energy is carried away as
photon production which is absorbed by the containment structure of the reactor
and is not energetic enough to appear on most meters. But there is occasional
detection.
The premise above supports one part of the W/L theory to a degree, and
Hagelstein, to a degree, and the assertions of Steve Krivit about the weakness
of helium claims. That trifecta of support unfortunately limits how much
acceptance the hypothesis can find in the remaining small fraction of a small
fraction of those few who already believe in LENR due to excess heat.
... but sadly, almost everything else out there, as theory, is demonstrably
weaker if it cannot explain the lack of lack of radiation as well.
