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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Ronald I. Ewing, Michael A. Butler, James E. Schirber, D. S. Ginley
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 16 | Number 3 | November 1989 | Pages 404-407
Special Section Content | Cold Fusion Technical Notes | doi.org/10.13182/FST89-A29135
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A search for neutrons from deuterium “cold fusion” systems (both electrochemical and high-pressure gas cells) was conducted in an underground laboratory using three highly sensitive neutron detectors composed of 3He gas proportional counter tubes embedded in polyethylene moderators. Any neutron emission from a test cell would be simultaneously observed in all three detectors in a known proportion. The counting system can detect random, continuous emission at a rate of <100 n/h, and short bursts of as few as 35 neutrons. None of the cold fusion systems tested emitted neutrons at these levels. Occasional anomalous groups of counts were observed in individual detectors that closely mimicked both continuous and burst emission. These anomalies were identified as spurious detector artifacts rather than true detection, because counts were not observed in the appropriate proportion in all three detectors. The use of multiple detectors simultaneously observing the test system in a very low background environment can effectively identify spurious artifacts that might otherwise be interpreted as evidence of neutron emission and may be essential to the demonstration of low-level neutron production from cold fusion systems.