-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] "Since the H + D -> He3 reaction produces a 5.49 MeV gamma ray, it seems highly likely that this is what was observed, especially considering the fact that it is next to impossible to obtain pure D with no H content."
Whoa, there is a gamma in that reaction, true, but the "net energy" of the reaction, if I am not mistaken is 5.49, and the gamma peak which is seen is 2.223 MeV - which is the emission line associated with He3 formation in solar astronomy. Presumably the rest is carried away by the kinetic energy of the light helium. Plus - and foremost, due to the large mass difference between He3 and He4, the difference in the tracks left by either and preserved in the famous photographic plates - would be very clear to an expert like Alvarez, one must imagine. I hope they don't have to take back his Nobel prize ;-)
