Precursors and the fusion reactions in polarized Pd/D-D2O system: effect of an external electric field

The effect of an external electric field on the physical appearance of the Pd/D electrode in an operating cell is discussed. It is shown that the individual globules of the 'cauliflower-like' structure undergo a shape change exhibiting two distinct features, viz. those that require energy expenditure that can be extracted from the applied external field (e.g., reorientation, separation of individual globules, dendrite formation) and those that require energy expenditure far in excess of one that can be supplied by the electric field alone (e.g., exhibiting features usually associated with the solidification of a molten metal under liquid or the presence of localized catastrophic events leading to the formation of craters). It is shown, by energy-dispersive X-ray method, that the needed energy is provided by nuclear events occurring in the region close to the electrode surface. The nuclear events are of the type: precursor → unstable nucleus → stable nucleus. (authors)