Possibility of cold fusion in palladium deuterides: Screening effects and connection to superconducting properties

Abstract

The conditions for the fusion d-d reaction in Pd are discussed, taking into account the ion-core repulsion. It is shown that the lattice expansion of Pd after introduction of deuterium atoms results in strong Coulomb field screening. This phenomenon may lead to detectable nuclear reaction rates. The appearance of superconductivity in deuterated samples due to weakening of the Coulomb repulsion may serve as an indication of the fusion possibility.