Replies

(Trying to respond to multiple comments: #104, 105 and earlier ones...)

BTW, I agree with Wonder Warthog that there is no similarity between production of isotopes via common high energy methods, and the very low energy transmutation effects reported by Iwamura.

~~~~~~~~~

Perhaps the diagram I (belatedly) posted in #50 would be helpful.

Let me point out that (although I don't quite comprehend the functionality of the structure) that Iwamura deposits his target material atop a substrate composed of multiple, alternating thin films of Pd and CaO -- and then forces ("permeates") deuterium through the stack (at relatively low T, P, and [as a tested variable showing positive results] accelerating voltage).

He does explain that CaO was chosen for its low work function, and reports on two other "barrier" materials: Yittria (WF >2 -- which does "work") and MgO (work function >3) -- which produces no transmutation effects. (Specific numerical WF data is in the video, but is difficult to random-access...)

After he discussed work functions, Iwamura muttered as an aside or under his breath, something about "apparently requires an electron-rich environment". (Obviously, an English transcription of his talk is badly needed...)

I agree with exDemMom about needing quantitative stoichiometry data, but much of Iwamura's measurement data is in mass spec plots which are good qualitatively, but only provide quantitative estimations via relative peak amplitudes.

~~~~~~~~

FWIW. I expect that Iwamura's demeanour would be far more impressive and credible were he presenting in Japanese. In the 1960s. I was conversant in Japanese -- but, even then, I would have felt like a stumblebum trying to make technical presentations in the language.

~~~~~~~

Iwamura presented three envisioned applications of his process:

1) Transmutation of dangerous radionuclides from nuclear waste into stable species

2) Production of rare/valuable metals ( W -> Pt, Os)

3) Generation of heat energy.

He referred to the third application more than once -- implying that he had observed the effect and was confident of its reality -- but emphasized that his specific charter was to concentrate on nuclear waste disposal.