Hi, I think it's time I release this. I sent the concept to Mills years ago, and AFAIK he has done nothing with it. So now everyone else gets to have fun with it. :)
Title: Resonant Metal Nanostructures for Hydrogen-Related Anomalous Effects Concept Summary: We propose that metallic surfaces patterned with nanoscale pit arrays, particularly nickel thin films on inexpensive iron substrates, can be engineered or induced to form structures with characteristic dimensions resonant with the photon wavelength corresponding to hydrogens ionization energy (13.6 eV, ~91 nm) and its higher harmonics (2nd: ~46 nm, 3rd: ~30 nm, 4th: ~23 nm). These resonant structures may strongly couple to hydrogenic electronic states, potentially enhancing anomalous energy release or nuclear signatures. Rationale: - 13.6 eV is the fundamental ionization energy of hydrogen, setting a natural resonance scale. - Nanostructures with periodicities matching ~91 nm and its harmonics can act as plasmonic/metamaterial resonators, concentrating fields at these energies. - Transition metals such as Ni (with Fe as a cheap substrate) are conductive, hydrogen-absorbing, and scalable, unlike palladium. - Hydrogen spillover catalysts (TiO2, WOx, MoOx) can be added in small fractions to promote hydrogen activation and migration. Approaches to Structuring: - **Directed methods:** Block-copolymer directed self-assembly (DSA), anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, or lithographic masks to etch pits with precise, tunable pitches. - **Emergent methods:** Ion-beam sputtering instabilities, anodization of Ti/Al, or alloy dealloying/spinodal decomposition to produce quasi-regular nanoscale domains without masks. Proposed Materials System: - Nickel thin film (20200 nm) deposited on iron substrate. - Optional adhesion layer (Cr/Ti, a few nm). - Sparse spillover promoter islands (TiO2, WOx, MoOx) at 15% coverage. Experimental Tests: - Structural: SEM, AFM, TEM, SAXS to confirm pit periodicity at target scales. - Spectral: EELS, EUV reflectometry, PEEM to detect resonances near 13.6 eV and harmonics. - Functional: Hydrogen loading/unloading cycles; monitor for excess heat, isotope shifts, or anomalous emissions correlated with resonant structures. Impact: If confirmed, this approach provides a low-cost, scalable pathway to probe LENR-like phenomena using abundant metals and established nanofabrication or self-patterning methods. It reframes the problem from mysterious anomalies to a testable resonance-driven materials science question. Next Steps: - Fabricate Ni/Fe samples with ~46 nm pits (2nd harmonic). - Characterize resonances and hydrogen interactions. - Compare with control samples lacking resonant structures. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/ELE.html
