Chapter 2- Basic Electron Physics
To appreciate the theory of Fleischmann Pons Fusion it is important to have some grasp of quantum mechanics, and solid-state free electron physics. The arguments you will read are compelling, consistent with contemporary theory, and explain all well documented behavior. If you are new to quantum physics, we recommend the following two books. It is well worth the trouble for a front row seat to an evolving revolutionary energy technology;
1) An introduction to Quantum Physics –A.P. French and E.F. Taylor
2) Introduction to Solid State Physics – Charles Kittel
Quantum mechanics is presently the best description of reality available .The Schrodinger equation (a part of the complete theory) is used here extensively to formulate the fusion mechanism. It will be shown, using straightforward derivations, how the solid-state free electron environment is responsible for the high-energy bonding between deuterium and helium. In an effort to familiarize the reader with quantum mechanics, we will explore simple, yet powerful, examples of the application of the Schrodinger equation. Starting with a constant potential, one-dimensional model and building to a simplistic solid-state example. The origin of the high-energy bond evolves naturally from the solid-state example. We analyze the electron behavior around an interstitial atom, simulating a proton or helium atom moving through a crystal. The simplicity of the bonding scheme leaves little doubt of its validity.
The inevitable physics of the bond will become apparent with even this simple model. A rigorous derivation of the bounding mechanism will be given in chapter 3. We take a preliminary look at how the “activated complex” forms, using this simple model. A detailed discussion of the “activated complex” is left to a later chapter. The “activated complex” is shown to be the overlap of the n=3 energy level of the localized linear momentum state electron, with the “free electrons” charge probability around the colliding helium and deuterium atoms.
It will be seen in chapters 3 & 4 that the probability cloud of the alpha (helium) and deuteron (deuterium) particles are critical to the mechanism. The forces that hold the helium in the channel, and deuterium in the tetrahedral site, determine this nuclear probability distribution. The nuclei probability distributions have a radius on the order of 0.1 angstrom. It is only after the kinetic energy of the helium brings the two nuclear probabilities within overlap distance of ~0.2 angstroms that the activated complex forms. Figure 2-1 (below)shows a cartoon of the formation of the activated complex and the affect of nuclear probability overlap on the electron distribution. The nuclear probability overlap is critical to efficient overlap of the localized electron probability (in linear momentum states) with the “normal” charge distribution of “free electrons”. When the nuclei are far apart (the top picture,) there is poor overlap of the two states. With the overlapping nuclear probabilities (bottom picture), there is very good overlap. The good overlap of the two states allows for the fast transition to an electron in a localized linear momentum state.
Figure 2-1
For those thinking a head, the electron can be pictured as just a force-carrying particle, which attracts the alpha particle (helium) to the deuteron (deuterium). As the two nuclear probability clouds overlap, they create linear momentum states in all directions for the electron, thus filling the local space. The only state for the localized electron is a line through the two nuclei, hence the need for the two nuclear probability clouds to overlap facilitating a three-dimensional electron probability. The two approaching ~spherical nuclear probability clouds will form probability distribution lobes, which look much like a “p” orbital of an electron. This activated complex then collapses into a spherically ball of probability with the eventual >100,000eV energy of the localized linear momentum state electron.
After the solid-state introduction, we will discuss the 3-dimensional hydrogen atom (electron + proton). The results of the wave function calculations will be shown graphically, so little mathematics is required to follow the arguments. The calculations for the graphs are done using simple numerical methods implemented in an EXCELTM spreadsheet. Later in the chapter, we will give a quick explanation of the numerical technique and a comparison of the numerically derived results to the analytically calculated energies for hydrogen