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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.
Bor Yann Liaw, Peng-Long Tao, Bruce E. Liebert
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 23 | Number 1 | January 1993 | Pages 92-97
Technical Note on Cold Fusion | doi.org/10.13182/FST93-A30123
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A case of 4He enrichment in a spent palladium deuteride electrode is reported. The issue of helium isotope production related to the Fleischmann-Pons effect is still much in debate. In light of this important issue, two palladium samples, used in deuteride- and hydride-conducting molten salt electrolytes, and their corresponding blanks were analyzed for both 3He and 4He content. Four specimens from the deuteride sample, which has produced excess heat, showed significant 4He signals (enrichment) above the blank background level, while the hydride sample, used as a control with no excess heat measured, exhibited an opposite (depletion) effect. The 3He content remained unchanged, within the limits of the instrument's sensitivity. The amount of 4He detected was not commensurate with the excess heat according to known reaction mechanisms. The interpretation of the results was complicated by a substantial morphology difference among the samples. Because the level of helium content was small in magnitude, the possibility of atmospheric contamination cannot be dismissed completely.