Chapter 15 - Models based on phonon-nuclear coupling

Abstract

We consider a fundamental model for excess heat in the Fleischmann-Pons experiment, and for many other anomlies. The model is based on the coupling of vibrations with internal nuclear degrees of freedom through the relativistic boost correction of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. The lowest order observable process that results is phonon-mediated nuclear excitation transfer, which is thought to have been observed in recent experiments. Many sequential nonresonant excitation transfer steps while maintaining coherence results in coherent multiphonon exchange. The number of quanta converted is limited due to destructive interference, which can be removed through loss or through the off-resonant shift of the internal nuclear states. The models that result have the potential to address excitation transfer, excess heat production, and many other anomalies systematically.