Q1. Did the researchers consider possible sources of contamination?

A1. The SPAWAR team performed a number of controls that indicated that their observations were not the result of radioactive atoms in the solution.

For example, they immersed a CR-39 detector in the co-deposition solution without performing electrolysis. The detector was immersed for the same amount of time as for their electrolysis experiments. The result was that no tracks were observed on the detector.

They performed electrolysis experiments without the PdCl2 in the solution. Result: No tracks were observed.

They performed co-deposition experiments, in the absence of external electric or magnetic fields. Result: No tracks were observed.

With regard to possible radiological contamination, although CR-39 background studies continue at SPAWAR, the reported CR-39 charged particle density is more than 10,000 times the background track count.

If the tracks are caused by alpha or proton emission, as proposed by the researchers, then this indicates energy levels 1 million times larger than any known chemical source. The absence of tracks, as shown in the control studies performed without the required parameters, rules out internal chemical, and both internal and external radiological, cell contamination as the track source.

Q2. Are the researchers claiming that this is proof of cold fusion?

A2. No. They make no claims of any form of fusion reaction with regard to this experiment. Instead, the evidence reported is suggested as a novel, anomalous low energy nuclear reaction.

Q3. Did the researchers measure heat?

A3. No attempt was made to measure heat in this experiment, it was not a concern of the researchers at the time.

Q4. Di-alkyl carbonate polymers will decompose in the presence of a acid, and especially acid + heat to form lower molecular weight species + CO2. The acid-degraded lower molecular weight chains become carboxylic acid terminated, and hence are soluble in aqueous base, and can be extracted from the polymer matrix. This could give the appearance of pits (as seen in this article). Could the CR-39 plastic have degraded due to heat, and thus become soluble in the aqueous base development step, and thus be the result of a chemical, not a nuclear reaction?

A4. SPAWAR researchers reply: "Each of the wires Au, Ag, and Pt were at the same potential of approximately 2 V or less, and the current was approximately 100 mA or less. It was observed that the number of charged particles varied among the wires, but there was a distinct "shadow" corresponding with the back side of the wires closest to, and in contact with, the CR-39. This “region,” without tracks, directly behind the wire constitutes an insitu “control.” If the proposed localized heating is a function of joule heating, the heat conductivity of the various metals is sufficient to prevent local hot spots against the CR-39. If the proposed localized heating is a function of simply D2O dissociation and Pd loading during, or subsequent to, co-deposition and even if anisotrophic, again, the heat conductivity of the various metals is sufficient to prevent local hot spots against the CR-39. Therefore, if the purported catalytic effect causing depolymerization of the CR-39 was occurring, then it should have occurred directly behind the wire in closest contact with the CR-39. It did not.

In addition, we observed tracks at distances exceeding the diameter of the wire and extending over 1 mm, where there was no contact between the wire and the CR-39. Thus, there was not opportunity for exothermic, Pd-loading generated heat or joule heating to provide the catalytic heating required to depolymerize the CR-39, whether or not a localized low low pH or insitu acid contamination exists."