Search for cold fusion using Pd-D₂O cells and Ti-D mixtures

Abstract

We have searched for cold fusion produced in an electrolytic cell with Pd cathode and Pt anode. The electrolyte was 0.1 molar LiOD in 99.8% D₂O. A 2-mm rod of polycrystalline Pd and a 4-mm rod of single crystal Pd were used. No radiation was detected above background by a BF₃ neutron and Ge γ-X detector. The D₂ loading of the Pd was 0.8 D per Pd atom reaching saturation after 4 hours. We also attempted to duplicate the work of Scaramuzzi and co-workers on the Ti-D₂ system. Both powder and pieces of Ti were used. The material was cycled several times between 1100 K and 77 K. No neutron, γ- or x-ray emission above background was observed. The results of a barrier penetration calculation for H-like atoms are presented. The high fusion rates reported for PdD _x . are much larger than those expected from theoretical calculations on these systems.