Neutron Emission from Fracture of Piezoelectric Materials in Deuterium Atmosphere

Abstract

We have studied nuclear reaction during a fracture process of piezoelectric materials in D2 atmosphere. Neutrons are generated in d–d nuclear reaction through the fracture process of LiNbO3 (lithium niobate) at the D2 gas pressure of 30 kPa or above; the emission rate is 108±27 /h with the statistical significance of 4.0 σ, although at 18 kPa or below, neutrons are not generated. We have not observed neutrons from other tested piezoelectric materials.