Evidence for neutron production in deuterium gas with a pyroelectric crystal without tip

Abstract

We present evidence for the production of H2(d,n)3He neutrons in gaseous deuterium by using a pyroelectric crystal as positive ion accelerator. In contrast to previous studies, neutrons were generated without a tip attached to the crystal and without using a solid deuterated target. The deuterium gas provided both the projectile and target nuclei. On the average, 1 neutron/s was obtained in our “hot fusion” experimental setup. No neutrons were detected when a tip was used.