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Emerging Fusion Technologies Scientists are Finally Understanding Hot Fusion
New Scientist reports that ball lightning — the mysterious form of energy sometimes seen during thunderstorms — has been created in the lab. The Max Planck Institute’s scientists have figured out how to use underwater electrical bursts to generate ball lightning. (Technically, they call it “luminous plasma clouds” — but if it looks like a duck and quacks like one…) The creations last for about half a second and are eight inches in diameter. This makes their size comparable to the size of naturally occurring ball lightning, which has been reported by many observers, including scientists, for centuries. Even such luminaries as Charlemagne, King Henry II and the renowned physicist Niels Bohr reported seeing it. The laboratory-created version doesn’t last nearly as long as has often been reported. However, when people are startled or frightened, time often seems to pass more slowly. So it’s possible the observers were wrong about duration. It’s also possible that the scientists have yet to understand the properties of these balls fully, and that optimization is possible. That frequently happens with scientific discoveries, especially as engineers become involved. The scientists are hopeful that these plasma fields will deepen understanding of “hot” fusion reactions such as those inside stars. The intent is to develop an inexhaustible power source based on the fusion of deuterium atoms. Deuterium is a special form of hydrogen found in seawater. The water tank contains two electrodes. One is in contact with the water, while the other is insulated from the water by a clay tube. The high voltage burst causes enormous currents to flow through the water momentarily. When the current enters the clay tube, it ionizes the water and a “burp” of plasma rises to the surface. ***********Special Alert************* Only 8 Days Left… Don’t Miss Out You only have eight days to learn about the next “Beaumont Miracle” before the price doubles. Soon the best stock research in the world will become harder to obtain. I urge you to read on before it’s too late… *************************************** Interestingly, more than one approach has proven successful in recent months. Earlier this year, Israeli scientists succeeded using microwaves. Specifically, they use a burst of 5,000 volts to vaporize water in a glass tank and the ball lightning is a byproduct. The plasma balls display some interesting properties. They glow brightly yet are cold. This is reminiscent of neon lights, or fireflies (which use a chemical process to effect the same result). An “ionic wind” is created in the vicinity of the plasma such that a sheet of paper placed above it is lifted — yet does not ignite. Some have speculated that the ionic clouds are actually enabled by nanoparticles of dissolved materials, such as clay from the underwater apparatus. However, research indicates that it’s just ionized hydrogen and oxygen. In effect, a special kind of electrolysis effect is occurring. So, what is the practical significance of all this? As yet, it’s unclear. “Hot” fusion has been the next great energy source for decades, and always seems to be 20 years away. I’m not holding my breath for that one, especially when alternatives (including so-called cold fusion) are stirring up so many interesting results. Having said that, it may have more down-to-Earth significance. One of the challenges in generating a true “hydrogen” economy is the efficiency of converting water to hydrogen and oxygen. Specifically, it currently takes more energy input to split them than is recoverable by burning them. That’s a big problem (although I am watching a California startup that may just have cracked the problem using an ingenious approach). A better understanding of these unique plasmas that dance around like living beings may hold the clues to a better approach to generating hydrogen. That would be huge. To your profitable future, P.S.: To be the first to learn about this California startup, as well as all of my other picks, you can sign up for my Emerging Capital Report here and read this free report. |
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Jonathan Kolber is a noted technology analyst and entrepreneur and has co-founded the company behind the disposable DVD movies offered by Disney and other studios... <click here for full bio> |
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