The Widom–Larsen theory is a proposed explanation for supposed Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR) developed in 2005 by Allan Widom and Lewis Larsen. In the paper describing the idea, they claim that ultra low momentum neutrons are produced in the cold fusion apparatuses[1] during weak interactions when protons capture "heavy" electrons from metallic hydride surfaces.[2] One source has held that it is "unlikely the electron energy threshold for neutron production can be reached in a metal lattice system without a substantial energy input".[3]
The idea was expanded by Yogendra Srivastava together with Widom and Larsen in 2014, who went on to propose that it could be an explanation for neutrons observed in exploding wire experiments, solar corona and flares, and neutron production in thunderstorms.[4] However, unrealistic concentrations of free electrons are needed for the neutron yield to be a significant component of thunderstorm neutrons, discounting the explanation.[5][6][7]
References
edit- ^ Anderson, Mark (23 October 2012). "Big Idea: Bring Back the "Cold Fusion" Dream. A new theory may explain the notorious cold fusion experiment from two decades ago, reigniting hopes of a clean-energy breakthrough". Discover Magazine.
- ^ Widom, A; Larsen, L (April 2006). "Ultra Low Momentum Neutron Catalyzed Nuclear Reactions on Metallic Hydride Surfaces". The European Physical Journal C. 46 (1): 107–111. arXiv:cond-mat/0505026. Bibcode:2006EPJC...46..107W. doi:10.1140/epjc/s2006-02479-8. S2CID 55478462.
- ^ Tennfors, Einor (15 February 2015). "On the idea of low energy nuclear reactions in metallic lattices by producing neutrons from protons capturing "heavy" electrons". The European Physical Journal Plus. 128 (2): 15. Bibcode:2013EPJP..128...15T. doi:10.1140/epjp/i2013-13015-3. S2CID 55677855. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
- ^ Srivastava, Y; Widom, A; Larsen, L (October 2014). "A primer for electroweak induced low-energy nuclear reactions". Pramana. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
- ^ Babich, L P; Bochkov, E I; Kutsyk, I M; Rassoul, H K (13 May 2014). "Analysis of fundamental interactions capable of producing neutrons in thunderstorms". Physical Review D. 89 (9): 093010. Bibcode:2014PhRvD..89i3010B. doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.89.093010.
- ^ Babich, L P (2014). "Fundamental processes capable of accounting for the neutron flux enhancements in a thunderstorm atmosphere". Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics. 118 (3): 375–383. Bibcode:2014JETP..118..375B. doi:10.1134/S1063776114030017. S2CID 195218932.
- ^ Babich, L P (8 October 2015). "Analysis of a laboratory experiment on neutron generation by discharges in the open atmosphere". Physical Review C. 92 (4): 044602. Bibcode:2015PhRvC..92d4602B. doi:10.1103/PhysRevC.92.044602.
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