New quantum mechanical tight bound states and `cold fusion' experiments

Abstract

Ever since establishment of the `cold fusion' phenomenon, many attempts are made to explain its origin. Barut and Vigier [1] suggested that the observed `excess heat' in cold fusion experiments could be related to the new tightly bound states of the hydrogen atom. These states are due to electromagnetic interactions at small distances. Another mechanism for the occurrence of deep energy levels could be a creation of the `anti-Born–Oppenheimer' states, corresponding to rapid motion of the heavy particles around almost fixed electrons. Both possibilities are reviewed in this Letter.