If
you had to define the inner workings of "science" as briefly as possible, you
may say: "Formulate theories, then prove your theories through careful, reproducible
experimentation." If you accept this short description of science then you will
probably have serious doubts about the existence of the phenomenon known as Cold Fusion.
WHAT IS "COLD FUSION"?
Fusion refers to the joining of two nuclei to
form one larger nucleus. The larger nucleus (being unstable) breaks apart and
releases energy. The energy released from the breaking apart of the nucleus is
greater than the energy required to fuse the two smaller nuclei, hence nuclear power is
produced. The difference between cold fusion and conventional fusion is in the
amount of energy needed for fusion to take place.
Since the two smaller nuclei are both positively charged, they
naturally repel one another. Massive amounts of kinetic energy are needed for
conventional fusion. This energy is usually supplied by particle accelerators or
extremely high temperatures approaching 50 million degrees Celsius. Amazingly, cold
fusion supporters claim that fusion is possible at room temperatures without a particle
accelerator.
BIRTH OF THE COLD FUSION IDEA
The idea of cold fusion is not a new one. Dating back to the
1920's are theories explaining a way to get deuterium (a hydrogen isotope) molecules close
enough to one another to cause fusion at low temperatures. It was believed that by
dissolving deuterium in palladium metal, such high concentrations could be achieved that
the molecules would be closer to each other than is achievable in solid hydrogen. In
addition, negative charges from the metal would help reduce repulsion between the
molecules. These early experiments yielded no detectable signs of fusion, concurrent
with modern calculations.
MODERN DAY PIONEERS
On March 23, 1989 Martin Fleishmann and Stanley Pons told the world
that they had observed 10% more power leaving their cold fusion apparatus than was being
supplied. They claimed to have "created" energy on a laboratory bench.
The technique they used was to pass a current through an electrolytic cell made of
a palladium cathode, a platinum anode, and an electrolyte consisting of lithium, oxygen,
deuterium, and heavy water (water containing deuterium rather than standard hydrogen).
The cathode releases deuterium atoms rather than molecules which penetrate
the palladium metal more quickly than molecules of deuterium.
FAILURE TO GAIN ACCEPTANCE
Following the announcement, researchers all over the world began
attempting to reproduce the results. A few researchers had success, but most
reported failures. Even those researchers who had success found it difficult to
reproduce the results. In the science community, the burden of proof is very heavy.
Recall the keyword is our earlier science description, "reproducible".
Many people do not deny that some kind of reaction or phenomenon is
occurring in these experiments. However, the lack of reproducible results has caused
many scientists and the public to dismiss the idea of cold fusion as some kind of other
phenomenon of significantly less importance. Yet others simply dismiss the entire
concept as repeated testing error and maintain that little or nothing is happening at all.
IS COLD FUSION DEAD?
In short, the answer is "No way!" The financial
implications involved with the perfection of the elusive theory of cold fusion are
motivation enough for corporations to spend millions of dollars for cold fusion research.
It is almost certain that nearly everyday, someone, somewhere is still persuing
this dream. Even Hollywood couldn't resist the global implications of cold fusion
and based the movie "The Saint" (starring Val Kilmer) on the concept.
Even recently, some researchers continue to report occasional results
that are encouraging. Recently, Pons and Fleischmann reported 150% power output
sustained over 30 days. Other groups in Japan and Italy report power outputs in the
30-100 percent range. These results are significant, but not necessarily evidence of
cold fusion. Only further research will help find the answer. The encouraging
news is that these results may be considered valid proof that something (most likely
useful) is indeed happening.
THE AUTHOR'S OPINION
Cold fusion has never really been achieved. While I don't believe
that cold fusion has been achieved, that is not to say that it is impossible. The
phenomenon being seen in these experiments is something that was once thought
impossible, the creation of energy (assuming the results are valid). Rather than
ridiculing those poeple who are investigating this further, I think that they should be
praised for pursuing such a worthy cause! Apparently they believe in cold fusion,
and working at something you believe in is a very nice position to be in! The
impending energy crisis facing the world will make Y2K look like child's play. I
also believe that someone once said, "Heavier than air flying machines are
impossible." History teaches us that telling scientists that something is
impossible is a dangerous proposition. Yet Pons and Fleischmann were premature in
their announcement as the world has yet to see cold fusion.
