Nuclear fusion at room temperature - the most controversial discovery of recent years

A discussion of low-temperature thermonuclear fusion is presented, based on facts known by May 1989. A critical review is given of the results of the Fleischmann-Pons experiment. A comparison with the results of Jones showed discrepancies. No theoretical description of the so-called ''cold fusion'' phenomena based on heavy water electrolysis has so far been available and more experiments are necessary to confirm the existence of cold fusion and to collect data leading to a theoretical explanation. (J.J.). 8 refs