Scientists put the Sun in our pockets (nuclear fusion using crystals)

UK Telegraph ^ | Apr. 28, 2005 | Roger Highfield

[FairOpinion]

A pocket-sized device which can harness fusion, the energy source of the Sun, with the help of crystals no bigger than a sugar cube has been developed by scientists.

The "pocket fusion" device, described today in the journal Nature, raises new possibilities in fields as diverse as space propulsion, medical diagnostics, cancer treatment and the hunt for concealed weapons.

Now Brian Naranjo, Jim Gimzewski, a professor from Glasgow, and Prof Seth Putterman of the University of California, Los Angeles describe a breathtakingly simple way to fuse atoms with the help of a crystal.

They fused atoms of deuterium - heavy hydrogen - using a pyroelectric crystal to generate a beam of charged particles - deuterium ions - to bombard a deuterium target.

"These crystals were discovered 2,000 years ago by the Ancient Greeks," said Mr Naranjo.

"It is the electrical analogue of a permanent magnet and if you heat or cool it you can build up a very large charge and very large electric field."

With gentle warming, even by hand, researchers concentrated the field made by the crystal at the tip of a connected tungsten needle.

The neutron emission is 400 times stronger than the usual background level.

"We are getting about 1,000 neutrons a second," said Mr Naranjo. "The amazing thing is that we are heating a crystal to 25C and getting this very large fusion signal with no external power supplies.

"It is just a crystal with a needle. The simplicity is striking."

[FairOpinion]

Related article:

Nuclear fusion on the desktop ... really! Mini-reactor yields neutrons, could power spacecraft

A key part of the apparatus for the nuclear fusion experiment is in the foreground. In the background are researchers Seth Putterman, Brian Naranjo and Jim Gimzewski.

A view inside the crystal-based fusion chamber: "This is an amazing photo," UCLA's Seth Putterman says. "You're actually looking at the tracks of the fusion in the scintillator."

UCLA's Putterman said future experiments will focus on refining the technique for potential commercial uses, including designing portable neutron generators that could be used for oil well drilling or scanning luggage and cargo at airports.

The technology also could conceivably give rise to implantable radiation sources, which could target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. "You could bring a tiny crystal into the body, place it next to a tumor, turn on the radiation and blast the tumor," Putterman told MSNBC.com.

In the Nature report, Putterman and his colleagues said the crystal-based method could be used in "microthrusters for miniature spacecraft." In such an application, the method would not rely on nuclear fusion for power generation, but rather on ion propulsion, Putterman said.

[FairOpinion]

Physics/science PING

[stboz]

Damn! My bullshit meter is busted!

[AndrewC]

"These crystals were discovered 2,000 years ago by the Ancient Geeks,"

I thought so!

[Rocky]

Hope it's true. Can't help but think about the cold fusion fiasco we had a few years ago.

[SteveMcKing]

"You could bring a tiny crystal into the body, place it next to a tumor, turn on the radiation and blast the tumor," Putterman told MSNBC.com."

That simple, huh? How about my cure: like, take the cancer and digitally subtract it using Photoshop. Then send a robot in to zap out all the gray areas, and VOILA! You're cured!

[cspackler]

Damn, it even looks like a flux capacitor...

[rmmcdaniell]

UCLA's Putterman said future experiments will focus on refining the technique for potential commercial uses, including designing portable neutron generators that could be used for oil well drilling or scanning luggage and cargo at airports.

Thats the best use the could think for this?? If it really is working fussion what the hell would we need oil for?

[muawiyah]

Just like printing computer circuits on plastic sheets to create electronic paper.

[boofus]

Aye, Go easy with that dilithium crystal, laddy! -Scotty

[FairOpinion]

This was done by very reputable scientists at UCLA.

[Hunble]

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[FairOpinion]

These are scientists - don't expect them to be practical.

If this really works on a large scale, there will be others who find applications.

It can solve our energy problem -- of course not quite tomorrow, but soon, definitely before the oil runs out, if it does.

[CMOTB]

Is that a Fusion Reaction in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

[CMOTB]

Thats the best use the could think for this?? If it really is working fussion what the hell would we need oil for?

Thats what I was thinking. If it were/is possible. We could all have toaster sized power plants in our homes instead of a plug to the power company$.

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

Expanding on this, I can think of uses in automobile as power sources, batteries, micromotors, nanatechnologies, and so on.

This has the making of a major revolution compared to transitors replacing electron tubes!

All it needs is development! Good job, guys!

[Rocky]

LOL!
Send it to Frist - to help with the "nuclear option".

[HisKingdomWillAbolishSinDeath]

IMPORTANT RECALL NOTICE



The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, "Subsequential Internal Non-morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.



Some other symptoms:



1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish, or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:

P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.



No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:



1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Ghost. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises!



WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.



DANGER:

The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.
The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention.



Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice!!!




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[corkoman]