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I. INTRODUCTION.
Hydrogen incorporated in metals and solid state materials is known to significantly
change their physical and chemical properties. Because hydrogen is monovalent,
important bonding chain discontinuities can appear. If chemically bonded on one side
(M-H), then the considered Hydrogen atom will be only weakly bonded on other side.
Instead of strong M-M-M chains, it will be possible to have weak M..H-H..M chains
considering the high bonding energy of H-H (~5eV) (same for O-H) in comparison to CH (~ 4 up to 4.5 eV) and other M-H binding energy which can be much lower [1].
However, with such binding energies H can be absorbed to quite high amount at room
temperature in more or less porous and less dense metals, but which can also be easily
broken and recombined to H2 at higher temperature and released by exodiffusion.
Weak Van der Waals and hydrogen bonds explain the plastic properties of many
polymers, when low cohesion of adjacent monomer and polymeric chains is provided.
Concerning last mentioned materials, the discontinuities of interatomic binding energy
also explain their relatively reduced thermal and chemical stability and their reduced
hardness. This can be observed with a-C:H materials with various hydrogen content in
comparison to other hydrogen free hard diamond like carbon material containing also high
amount of sp3 [2]. Frozen methane containing 100% sp3 has nothing to do with diamond
and has like frozen water only relative low hardness (hardness ~ density of cohesion
energy). All this explains why H can produce exodiffusion of H2 and marked H+
channeling effects in ordered crystalline materials at relatively reduced temperature in
many metals and less dense materials [1].
H can also be more tightly trapped in denser and harder materials such as ta-C:H and
glassy carbon, last one in spite being porous, which has also good diffusion-barrier
properties for Hydrogen [3-4] similar to graphene sheet, ta-C and ta-C:H [5]. However,
trapped H can nevertheless recombine to H2 chemical when the temperature is high
enough with energy recombination energy release (CRER). This is generally not only
producing additional heat, but also inducing anomal atomic rearrangement [6]. These
effects, we discuss next, are not always explained as usually expected with thermal
thermodynamics of interatomic bonds and density of enthalpy. Produced phase mixture
for which each phase can have different specific structure and density of cohesion energy
is then not only ruled by the Arhenius law, as described with usual metallurgy physics [7].
Many experiments concerning chemical synthesis and formation of metastable material
have shown, that quantum electronic activation effects obtained for instance with various
photonic excitation can have some decisive role for the achievement of some desired
specific molecular configuration, and what is not possible to do in replacing photon
activation by equivalent heat introduced from outside [8].
Higher activation energy level and rates is able to produce atomic rearrangement towards
harder and denser diamond like carbon structure for instance [2, 6]. This is also the case
for other type of materials presenting different state of material structure, for instance
[Texte]
MWCNT, Wire CNW, Fiber CNF, multilayer /singlelayer graphene, fullerenic and
graphenic particles, micro/nano polycrystalline graphite which have been reviewed in
detail elsewhere [5]. Observing here, that most non-crystalline carbon materials will not
correspond to the general term of amorphous carbon (which does not contain any ordered
substructures such as sp3 or sp2 clusters).
Carbon materials achieved with different
thin film deposition devices correspond
often to composite material which may
contain nearly all sorts of different kinds of
substructures [2, 5-6, 13-15] (summarized
with Fig.1) and which properties strongly
depend on their distribution, size and
structure, and on how they are interlinked to
each other. More accurate structure
assignment analysis will help describing
atomic rearrangement.
In such a case the difficulty to correctly assign each band and each peak is often linked to
insufficient consideration brought to peak and band broadening, band overlapping and
band shift. Notwithstanding that very often some possible atomic rearrangement has not
been considered (for instance when unexpected D diamond peak appears in a carbon
Raman sprectrum, which cannot be explained without anomalous atomic rearrangement,
as can be observed with some glassy carbon material for instance [16]. Therefore, we will
first review with followings, some up dated carbon Raman spectrometry fundamentals,
which will be necessary to be considered for the detailed description of atomic
rearrangement phenomena. Before looking at Raman spectra structure, different general
characterizing features have to be checked. In case of carbon material [2, 5-6] it must be
checked ratio of sp2:sp3 (for instance with carbon Auger peaks, which appears to be one
of best method), hardness (~density of cohesion energy), stress (recall relation between
stress and Raman shift with Pauleau formula briefly discuss next), hydrogen content,
contamination, thermal stability and elaboration process conditions defining which effect
induces which atomic rerangement (precursor material, temperature, impinging particles
energy and flux, dissociation, ionization,) and which have been reviewed and discussed in
more details in [2, 5-6].
Much confusion in Raman peak assignement has been resulting from misfit on theoric
quantum mechanic and general fundamentals [14-17] whenever having decisely
contributed to scientific progress in these domains. This concerns for instance the double
resonance Raman scattering, atomic disorder, amorphous state, band broadening,
compressive/tensile stress Raman peak up-/downshift and especially concerning the socalled Ddisorder peak at ~1350cm-1 [18-21] which is all the more confusing it is closed
to the rhombohedral D diamond peak at ~1330cm-1 and the hexagonal chair structure H6
diamond peak at ~1325 cm-1 [22-23].
[Texte]
Confusion also exist on so-called G Band [20] originaly only assigned to Csp2-Csp2
bonds and which in reality corresponds to overlapping of different Raman broaden peaks
corresponding mainly to odd rings C5/C7 (~1520/1550 cm-1) [14, 24], hexagonal ring
structure of graphenic materials(~1580cm-1) corresponding to stationary phonon mode
within such ring) [14, 22], olefin Csp2-Csp3 (~ 1490/1510 cm-1) [25] and olefin Csp2Csp2 (~1620 cm-1) which can also be observed with IR spectroscopy [26].
Another origin of increased confusion could often be found when same designation D is
still currently used for different carbon material types and different effects: diamond and
disordered (amorphous) diamond [27-28], D graphene (so-called Ddisorder peak [18],
DLC disorder [20-21] (atomic disorder , amorphous state, mix of sp2 and sp3, crystalline
defects, isotopes, impurities, interstitials, vacancies, dangling bonds etc.).
In addition when so-called D, D designation have been used, which are corresponding
to other substructures and to other resonance effects than currently described [14, 29].
This is the reason why we have proposed with ref.[14] also a new Raman nomenclature
which will give more differntiated account for main observed carbon Raman peaks and
band with Fig.7 (end of II) after general discussion on carbon Raman spectroscopy
II.2. Comparison between Raman spectra of different Carbon material types
Raman results obtained with different types of carbon material can show paradoxical
quite similar Raman spectrum, especially concerning the D band and the G band
but which can be in reality distinguished with band broaderning effects and stress shift.
Raman spectra in Fig.2 of a)ta-C, b) micro-diamond, c) glassy carbon and d) a-C:H [19, ,
22, 28,31] have here to be compared respectively with those in Fig.3 of a) pseudo
amorphous graphite containing also sp3 and similar amorphous graphite (GAC) and, b)
crystalline/amorphous diamond, c) carbon nanofiber, and d) modified glassy carbon [26,
32-35].
It has been shown since longer time that the so-called general D band is not always to be
assigned to concentration of sp3 in carbon material For DLC material containing some
significant amount of sp2 it is shown that the ID/IG ratio (corresponding to integrated
intensity of D and G band ) is in fact proportional to the density of graphitic crystallites
for some intermediaty range of their size [17]. Those appears during annealing of
crystalline diamond above ~ 800/900C [25] and grow with annealing temperature and
time since graphite is known to correspond to the thermodynamic carbon ground state.
No D band is observed in large grain polycristalline graphite and crystalline graphite
particles [22, 25], meanwhile it is observed for small graphite dust particles [36]. It will
then be necessary to know what the so-called Ddisorder peak in reality is in looking about
Raman spectrometry fundamentals in more details.
[Texte]
Nano-diamond
by
Mc
Namara et al [28] diamond
peak
superimposed
on
amorphous diamond band
and disordered G band and
so-called D disorder band
[Texte]
D diamond by Huong et al
ref.[27]~1330cm-1 Ordered
crystalline diamond (sharp
peak), amorphous diamond
(symmetric broad pic). No
sp2. No graphene edge
(Ddisorder) 1350cm-1
For infinite ordered crystalline material, some simplified quantum mechanical theory
predicts that phonon is supposed to correspond to a delocalized representation of
interatomic vibration mode. However, several aspects will contradict this assumption.
Beside progressing wave which can be backscattered on structure edges, interferences and
stationary waves have also to be considered; notwithstanding that local phonon exist in
free molecules [37] and that material disorder will affect the interatomic force constant
(distribution of constant forces) with which phonon modes can be modified [39].
II.3.2. Role of stress and atomic disorder on Raman shift and band broadening
In real more complex and disordered structure, [39] the number of phonon modes is much
higher. However, considering some duality between quantum mechanical representation
and classical vibration mechanics, the atomic vibration modes which are ruling the Raman
effect can be qualitatively described with some simple anharmonic oscillator composed by
two atoms of same mass in considering the interatomic energy potential U = .x6 and the
resulting force constant K= 2.x-4 [40]. Considering that the Force constant K is shifted
[Texte]
Therefore,
*Band broadening associated to atomic disorder
II.3.3. Locality of scattering event and confinement effect. Raman anomalies have been
generally considered to be the consequence of some confinement (of phonon and
electrons) due to modification of interatomic binding energies on edges and in smaller
particles by the modification of their electronic orbital environment. [30, 42-45],
However, experimental results are not always in accordance with such predicted effects.
Further on local phonon vibration mode has been evidenced with microRaman on
graphene A edges corresponding to so-called D disorder peak (~1350cm-1) [46-47]. Fig.5
Fig.5. Micro Raman experimental results showing
graphene ZZ edge transformation into Aedge with
annealing at ~300C adapted from Xu et al [47]. No
C5/C7 band at~1490/1530cm-1. Tensile stress downshift
~15 cm-1 on pristine material. Dpeak at 1350cm-1
localized on external Aedge. D signal spots in bulk
corresponding to internal A edge of voids. D peak is
reduced with annealing temperature at~300C
This can also be deducted from the graphene phonon dispersion curves in the reciprocal
space [18, 30, 38, 45] for the G Raman peak corresponding to the point at 1580cm-1 and
which corresponds to some stationary phonon vibration mode within the hexagonal cyclic
sp2 ring. Recall that the direction of the wavevector in the reciprocal space corresponds to
a propagation wave direction in the real space. However, on the point of these curves
the phonon wavevector direction is perpendicular to the graphene plane for which no
phonon wave propagation perpendicular to the plane can here exist. Similar consideration
exists also for electronic orbital locality of valence band electron in hexagonal cyclic sp2
rings, when modified by some magnetic field and determining some Hall effect.[48-49].
Confinement effect in smaller sp2 clusters based on Quantum Mechanical calculation
appears often to be overestimated, when predicted results on Raman shifts [43] can be
also interpreted with other more likely effects [14]. For instance when considering what
can happen during annealing of a-C:H [31]. As grown a-C:H can be differently stressed
depending on which process has been used . It can have tensile stress when significant H2
and CHx exodiffusion is produced during its growth, and with a reduced ion implantation.
[Texte]
Compressive stress then appears in consequence of growth of sp2 clusters which have
lower atomic density than their surrounding amorphous diamond-like material. When
enough H2 recombination is available, then some more ordered diamond-like material can
be produced in the sp2 surrounding matrix. Continuing the annealing process,
compressive stress will be relaxed.
Overestimated electronic confinement effect can also be documented with the calculation
of the optoelectronic gap of small sp2 clusters [42], which is much higher than
experimentally measured.
II.3.4. Double resonance theory and phonon backscattering on edges and defects.
The developed double resonance (DR) theory basing on successive Raman scattering
events in sp2 clusters and graphene flakes is considering that beside the fulfilment of the
energy conservation law also the law of impulse conservation law has to be fulfilled [43].
Last one is achieved in considering some phonon backscattering on edges and defects [18,
30]. Looking at existing phonon modes at ~1350 cm-1 it appears that the so-called
Ddisorder Raman effect can be interpreted in terms of phonon backscattering on Atype
(symmetric Armchair) graphene edges. This is in agreement with what is observed with
Micro Raman analysis [46-47](Fig.5), and also with the point that the corresponding
Raman signal is not observed for larger graphite crystallite when it is smaller than the
signal noise background of bulk material Raman light [14].
The traditional quantum mechanic formalism, considering that phonon are delocalized,
interprets the backscattering process in term of intra valley and inter valley scattering
events [18, 30, 45] corresponding to adjacent Brilloin zones. However, looking with more
care to the energy balance, it appears that this model is not respecting the law of energy
conservation. Therefore, we have worked out another model (Couple Double Resonance
theory) [14] providing fullfilment of energy conservation law basing on classical/quantum
mechanic dual representation of electron and phonons. We consider the locality of
involved photon, electron and phonon and that backscattered phonon can be either
absorbed by activated electron or by corresponding hole, the important difference of
scattering time of interacting photon, electron and phonon and the activated electron/hole
energy and proximity. This model will not be discussed in more details here.
However, it gives account for many observed particularities. Coupling and resonance
between different phonon modes and overtone modes within a same hexagonal cyclic sp2
ring explains the dependence of Raman signal with different orientation of polarized laser
light, and how the corresponding Raman signal can be local [14]. This model clearly
shows then that the so-called Ddisorder Raman peak is always appearing on symmetric
Aedge (Armchair shape edge). It is not appearing on graphene related materials such as
hexagonal BoronNitrogen material (hBN) [50] for which the Aedge is not corresponding
to a symmetric oscillator. The so-called Ddisorder peak is sharp when corresponding phon
at 1350cm-1 is backscattered onsymmetric Aedges of well ordered material, and appears in
form of broad band when the material is disordered. However, such backscattering can
[Texte]
10
also exist within the surface bulk of graphene and CNT. In fact, it corresponds then to
backscattering on internal edges of vacancies and voids [14] in agreement to experimental
observation on CNT [51-52].
The model gives also account for the so-called D peak at ~ 1620cm-1 (supposed to be the
result of confinement effect and intervalley scattering process). In fact, it shows that this
D peak corresponds to dangling Csp2-Csp2 bonds on graphenic materiel extern and
intern edges of voids and which can also be evidenced with IR spectroscopy [26].
Fig.6 a) Raman spectra of cut exfoliated graphene: no disorder in the bulk (sharp G peak) and
Coupled Double Resonance CDR at ~1350cm-1 on A edge by Canado et al [53]
b) Csp2-Csp2 bonds (D~1620cm-1) on cut graphene edge. Double dangling edge bonds: addition
of D phonon to 2D (3240cm-1)(Similar effect on internal edge of voids created by Ar+ irradiation
c) Raman spectra of Ar+ ion irradiated graphene by Dresselhaus et al [55]. D peak corresponds in
fact to internal Aedges of voids). Atomic disorder only appears with higher ion doses (broad bands)
Fig.6 summarize this interpretation, especially in showing that Ar+ ion bombardment of a
graphene sheet is first creating vacancies and voids, for which the D and D peaks are
staying sharp and what documents the well ordered structure of these edges. Band
broadening appears for all peaks including the G peak when the ion impact zones are
overlapping with higher ion doses and the hexagonal cyclic sp2 rings destroyed [55].
Considering all kind of confusion about designation and assignement of Raman peaks and
bands which have often appeared in published papers about carbon material investigation
during last decades, we have proposed some new Raman nomenclature of main peaks and
band observed during carbon engineering [14] for which we reproduce it with table.1.
[Texte]
11
Raman cm
Peak/Band
Type of structure
binding Energy in ev
~ 1330
Ddiamond peak
Csp3-Csp3 at~7.02 eV
~ 1325
DH peak
~ 1220/ 1400
Ddiamond band
Disordered/amorphous Diamond
~ 1150
De1
Aliphatic Csp3-Csp3
~ 1470
De2
Aliphatic Csp3-Csp2
~ 1580
G peak
Csp2-Csp2 ~ 7.03 eV
~ 1550/1650
~ 1620
~ 1540
G band
Ge1
Ge2
~ 1490
~ 1540
G C5
G C7
Upshifted to ~1550 cm on
bended plane of fullerene
~ 1350
GeA
~ 1300/1400
GeA band
Disordered A edge
~ 2700
G 2P
~ 150
~ 1560
~ 1600
RBM
GG+
Radius dependent
Helicoidal (semiconducting)
Bended plane compression
-1
12
some thermal spikes during plasma and ionic processes [20]. However, many other
effects different from pressure and thermal spikes have been identified favorizing the
achievement of diamond-like materials and diamond (Hot filament diamond deposition,
and low bias plasma deposition [56], the influence of energetic UV (> 5 eV) [58], the
influence of X ray irradiation [59] and especially where atomic H is recombined to H2
[60] independently from external input of heat). It is observed in Filtered Vacuum Arc
devices depositing ta-C, the role of ion flux (independently from the heating effect)
releasing neutralization energy and the role of ion implantation producing compressive
stress in favor of DLC with higher sp3 content, an effect which can then also be put in
comparison with Diamond process making use of heat and pressure [61, 62].
With updated Raman spectroscopy can be shown in many published work that carbon
material processing supposed to produce definitively graphitic material, are in fact
containing some DLC and nanocrystal diamonds. This is shown for instense with
graphitic material which is simultaneously heated up to 3000K and irradiated with
energetic intense UV [63] and with the achievement of glassy carbon corresponding to
graphenic and fullerenic material containing sp3 and which is somewhat diamond like
(hardness ~15 GPa) and for which a D diamond peak is observed at ~1330cm-1 indicating
the existence of diamond nano-crystallites [22, 64] (meanwhile only a reduced Ddisorder
peak at ~1350cm-1 corresponding to GeA edge phonon modes is observed).
III.2. Role of an electric field on diamond-like rearrangement of graphitic materials.
Several experiments have shown how an electric field can produce diamond like atomic
rearrangement of more graphitic materials [65]. An electric field is known to produce
molecule distortion and polarization, which can then initiate atomic rearrangements, when
the polarizing energy Ep is higher than the threshold energy at which a structure can be
transformed into another one. This concerns particularly the rearrangement of hexagonal
cyclic sp2 ring which can be transformed in a chair structure, an effect which is observed
in applying an electric field on aromatic coumpounds [66]. Considering stack of
hexagonal cyclic sp2 ring in multilayer graphene, in graphite and in multiwall carbon
nano tube, those can be transformed into stack of chair shape hexagonal cyclic ring which
are known to be in a sp3 hybridization state [22, 23](Fig.7) (the H6 diamond structure)
This is an effect which is suggested to correspond to some intermediary step of graphite
being transformed into diamond with combined heat and pressure (whenever in such a
case this transformation is produced without electric field).
Fig.7. Stack of chair shape hexagonal
cyclic ring corresponding to H6
diamond structure with sp3 and
Raman frequency at ~ 1325 cm-1
according to Spear et al [23]
[Texte]
13
[Texte]
14
(F1)
(F2)
(F3)
(F4)
(F5)
(F6)
(F7)
(F8)
Particular remarquable results have been achieved with N CRER during 700C annealing
of N rich CNx (with mainly atomic substitution Nitrogen)[15] and Fig.9.
Fig.9. Clearance on possible diamond crystal nucleation in annealed CNx
[Texte]
15
Fig.10. Density of electronic states in diamond, graphite, GLC , DLC and ta-C (0%sp2)
According to Beeman et al [69]
1)Valence band electrons in graphite, GLC and DLC can be
activated by thermal activation because of reduced optoelectronic gap and low energy transition -> *.
2)Whereas, for diamond and ta-C no significant * band
exist (more or less only *bands) and gap > 3 eV has to be
considered for which electron excitation needs a higher
quantum electronic activation
3)Continuous band allows reduced thermal activation in
favour graphitic degradation (with which Raman Effect
appears with laser excitation at 514 nm (2,41 eV)< gap.
Considering that during an atomic rearrangement, the outer electron orbital activated
electrons should always occupy authorized energy levels therefore we postulate that they
should be activated to energy levels higher than both the original and the final state.
For this achievement, several other conditions will have to be fulfilled. The number of
activated electrons should be at least of same number than the number of atoms which are
possibly rearranged. The activated atomic rearrangement is a five dimension phenomena
involving local space, energy and time and for which simultaneity, activation energy
level, activation intensity and decay of several activation event corresponding to number
of activated valence band electron, which need to be compatible with the steric aspects.
Some equation of atomic rearrangement have been established accordingly illustrating all
aspects to consider [6, 14] we will not reproduce here in this review.
Fig.11. Sp3 atomic rearrangement activation criteria
QUANTUM ELECTRONIC
REARRANGEMENT POSTULATE
During
atomic
rearrangement,
electrons of outer atomic shells, must
always occupy authorized energy
levels => valence electrons have to
be excited up to conduction band
levels of initial and final state before
decay on final valence band level
[Texte]
16
Carbon material can have optoelectronic gap from very low value (in graphenic materials)
with all intermediary values for DLC up to (~2.5/3.5 eV) for ta-C and up to ~5 eV for
diamond. The rearrangement criterion applies also to carbon materials which will have
lower final gap and for which corresponding lower activation energy level will be
sufficient (subject that enough electron will be activated). To be observed the role of
catalytic effects with which, the binding energy of C-H can be reduced and with which
consequently the global CRER energy release will be higher, explaining thus , why
addition of Boron in precursors of a diamond deposition process will produce better
quality diamond as has been shown by Wang et al [70]
III.5. Influence of atomic rearrangements on disorder and stress.
Atomic rearrangements are generally leading to the reduction of the internal stress [7, 16,
29, 59, 61] in consequence of reduction of defects. The reduction of the internal stress of
carbon materials is often the consequence of exodiffusion of H2 and reduction of the
number of included vacancies and interstitials with which higher final atomic packing
density and better ordered material is achieved. This aspect is of particular importance to
consider, when stress is much affecting carbon film adherence strength and stability [2, 5].
Stress in carbon material can be determined for instance in measuring mechanical bending
of a thin substrate coated with the stressed material (reviewed in [2, 71]), or in measuring
the Raman shift [41].
Considering that stress reduction is usually achieved with some thermal annealing, this
way of doing will unfortunately in the same time generally degrade the carbon material to
more graphitic less performing material. This is known for longer thermal annealing of aC:H, a-C, ta-C and diamond at higher temperature which produces the growth of ordered
sp2 clusters [17, 20, 31, 43]. However, it could be observed also that thermal treatment of
some polymers and of some a-C:H, is not always immediately degrading the material to
more graphitic material, and that the diamond-like character could be either much
improved with the achievement of harder glassy carbon [3, 4, 16) or at least have the
diamond character of a-C:H maintained for while [72].
However, stress can be reduced with carbon material restructuration with the application
of an electric field, which is also enhancing its diamond-like character [65]. The reduction
of stress is also observed when sp3 atomic rearrangement activation is produced
meanwhile an annealing temperature was maintained without the material is degraded.
This achieved for instance when using high photon energy (>5 eV) UV laser irradiation
[59, 63]. This also appears with catalytic effects producing higher hardness and lower H
content and which for instance can be achieved with Boron doping during a-C:H or
diamond growth [ 6, 70]. It is also observed that diamond is generally produced at higher
temperature, for which only graphitic soot would have been expected. Intense Hydrogen
CRER in favor of sp3 activation, will compensate the thermal graphitic degradation with
sp3 rearrangements and because of the achievement of some quite well ordered diamond
structure, in general only thermal stress will be produced in consequence of different
thermal dilatation coefficient between substrate material and diamond coating[56].
[Texte]
17
Fig.13.
[Texte]
18
IV.
APPLICATION
OF
DIAMOND-LIKE
REARRANGEMENT
TO
CONDENSED MATTER NUCLEAR FUSION.
IV.1. Generality
Considering that atomic rearrangement can form better ordered and denser material,
compressive stress with specific local geometric distribution can be exerted on interstitial
molecular material, which is all the more important the differences of initial and final
density of cohesion energy is higher. This is suggested to be the case for atomic H
incorporated by diffusion and ion implantation in less dense material before being
rearranged in harder and denser ta-C materials by activation with Chemical
Recombination Energy Release (CRER) and with which left atomic H and chemically
recombined H2 can be trapped and placed in position to produce eventual nuclear reaction
with other nucleus of neighbouring atoms.
In harder ta-C over 80% of carbon atoms are in a sp3 hybridization state and the
interatomic binding energy is about 7eV (nearly the same than in diamond where it is
about 7.02 eV). In difference to diamond, ta-C has generally important compressive
stress in the range of 500 to 1000MPa in consequence of the use of an ionic process
producing ion peening. The ta-C atomic packing density is about 0.8 of the diamond
packing density and about 1.5 higher than more graphitic a-C.This is representing
compression energy per carbon atom in the 1 to 10 eV range, what appears as quite small
in comparison to compression energy of about 1KeV to 10 KeV which is necessary to
achieve nuclear fusion of free nucleus, (thermocuclear fusion with temperatures of about
10 million to 100 million K). However, it is here to consider that 1 KeV to 10KeV
corresponds to relatively common energy for different surface science equipments, and it
will have primairily to be considered the flux of nucleous, the amount of nucleus to be
incorporated in a solid state target, and how collision organized in a modified electronic
orbital environment can be usefull for the achievement of more efficient condensed
matter nuclear reactions.
At this stage, it appears that it will not be the physical carbon material compression allone
which will produce the nuclear reactions between neighbor atoms (including incorporated
species) of the corresponding material and that different kind of chemical recombination
energy release will have to be considered and which might be altering the measurement of
eventual other type of energy release which origin might be nuclear for instance.
Therefore, close attention must be brought to different effects which might be influencing
the efficiency of Low energy nuclear reaction. This is particularly concerning the socalled Lawson criterion which defines the nuclear fusion collision condition [1]. For this
achievement must be also reviewed some fundamentals, with which many results could be
already achieved for the better knowledge of fusion nuclear physics [12].
IV.2. Revisting some nuclear particle physics fundamentals
IV.2.1. Nucleus electrostatic barrier potential and atomic electronic orbital distribution.
Fusion between colliding atom nucleus, is subject to the possibility to overpass their high
Electrostatic barrier potential, which is supposed to have some spherical isotrope
distribution and for which sufficient collison energy is necessary. This is explaining why
[Texte]
19
independent nucleus will only produce fusion with higher collision energy whenever
lower than originally predicted with more simplified theory, in consequence of some
tunneling effect and for which colliding energy in the 1 to 10 KeV are necessary.
However, it has to be taken the question if this electrostatic barrier can be modified in its
isotrope distribution, thickness and amplitude, considering the existence of the Msbauer
effect which has been evidenced for many emitting isotopes (with unstable decaying
nucleus) [75]. These experiments have shown that the emitted frequency is modified by
many physical influences and especially by the electronic orbital environment of the
considered nucleus. From this fact can be deducted that the quantum nucleus structure of
these atom nuclei will also be modified by this electronic orbital environment.
Looking at atoms which have been reported to be subject to nuclear fusion, it appears that
beside atoms which have an isotrope spherical electronic environment (with 1s and 2s
electronic shells- such as H, He, Li, Be), also atoms with 1p electronic shell have to be
considered which have marked non isotrope electronic orbital-such as B atom with
bilateral axial symmetry and for which is also to be considered some orbital hybridation,
and degenaresence. The same orbitals can present here different spatial distribution and
energy levels. The distribution of the electronic orbitals appears more complex for 3d
electronic shell, and for which some of the atoms present also some ability to produce
fusion. Several of them have catalytic properties and present some electronic
degenarescence which makes possible some different distribution of their electronic
orbitals with different chemical states, such as Ni and Cr. Their electronic orbital
distribution appears then in agreement with the quantum mechanical calculation of the
higher electronic energy levels of the hydrogen atom (represented in Fig.14).Ref.[76].
Considering that these distributions will be reflected on the quantum structure of the
corresponding nucleus, their wall potential is expected to present some lower threshold
windows according to what is predicted by entanglement theory (intrication) and
corresponding to Einstein-Rosen bridges [77]. In such conditions, nuclear reactions are
then expected to be possible at lower energies, what is not only concerning interstitial
[Texte]
20
molecules which are corresponding to fusionable nucleus material, but also concerning
substitutional atoms which can react with fusionable material belonging to the
surrounding lattice (as has been observed with the appearance of new species resulting
from transmutation of lattice material [9].
IV.2.2. Duality paradoxe of wave mechanical and elementary particle representation.
Elementary particles of specific mass, electric charge and spin have been assimilated to
electromagnetic wave-packets in order to give account for their wave diffraction and
interference properties. They have been experimentally observed for instance with
electron and neutron diffraction, for which their velocity and mass have been associated
to a wave length via the de Broglie formula [78]
1/2mv2 = h.v or = h/p with p the impulse = mv
Their specific group velocity corresponds to their actual velocity in our spatial reference
base and depends on the phase and characteristics of each wave composing the wavepaquet [78]. Collision between those is suggested then corresponding to some dynamic
and static interference process between the two corresponding wave-systems. This basic
model can give account for production of new wave-paquets with different characteristics
according to wave mechanics and corresponding quantum physics fundamentals [76]
(including conservation of impulse momentum and energy).
However, other particle properties have to be considered such as size, mass and electric
charge which used to be defined independently from any wave physics, whenever some
attempts have been formulated to associate some mass to the photon energy m* = h.v /c2.
They have been determined by the observed corresponding gravity and electromagnetic
effects and interactions with which could be formulated some corresponding field theory
[76]. They are only considered by their observable effects which can be predicted with the
usual electromagnetic and gravity field theory.
Several question remains about corresponding currently used fundamentals:
- What is mass, when always associated to kinetic energy and correspond to
some quantum cohesion energy with the formula E = mc2
- What is an electric charge from a quantum mechanical point of view when it
could never be evidenced independently from mass. Further on when photon is
known to have no electric charge and neutral particle with mass exist.
- What is causing the spin ? Rotation of an electromagnetic wave-packet
- Why constant velocity of light in vacuum? Independent from relativity
In order to consider some essence of mass, electric charges and electromagnetic waves it
can be suggested the existence of a medium (non-viscous elastic fluid corresponding to
some absolute quantum vacuum (ether) having specific density of energy. It will be
assumed that all sorts of progressing and stationary vibration modes can be sustained or
which can decay in being transformed into other wave-paquets without energy losses.
Using then analogy with classical wave propagation in homogeneous solids, liquids and
gases, light velocity can then be expressed with similar formula: C= k/ considering
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Nt > NT = 2E (1/h2).(m)3/2
This reformulated Lawson criterion, show the importance to have lowest colliding
energies, what can be interpreted in terms of cross section which is getting smaller with
increasing colliding energy. However it must also be associated to the electric barrier
potential, which for smaller free nucleus, will stay of same order of magnitude. Whenever
not known how this electric barrier potential can be modified in condensed matter, it can
be at least be used some published results as a comparative references, which have been
achieved for instance for collision between energetic H+ ion beam with a plasma obtained
by laser evaporation, for which the density will be at least about 1000 times lower than in
a solid state material. Therefore, an optimized compromise is expected to be possibly
found, making use on one hand of the higher solid state atomic density, and on other hand
the possibility to make use of proton of higher energy, and with the expected possibility to
work with some reduced electric barrier potential within condensed matter.
IV.4 Application to Condensed Matter Nuclear Fusion Reactor
IV.4.1. Condition of energy production with significant COP
We have to come back on the problematic of the first attempts to produce LENR fusion
energy with help of electrolysis, for which the produced atomic hydrogen ( deuterium will
have to be kept adsorbed on the electrode material surface to some extend. It will be
expected that some hypothetic fusion will only be possible to be produced, when a
sufficient density of adsorbed H (or D) is available. However, this will much depends on
the electrode material structure, porosity and surface rugosity, and its eventual catalytic
properties with which the atomic H (or D) can at least be in some parts recombined from a
chemical point of view, and what can release quite high chemical recombination energy
release. It has then to be considered that some random part of the produced atomic
hydrogen, will be diffusing into the cathode material, and that not all produced hydrogen
atom will be put together. In addition some other part of the released chemical
recombination energy might be used for some endothermic atomic rearrangement into a
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different or modified structure. They are then many hazardous aspects which can affect
the reproducibility of the released heat, depending wether the electrode material will be
too much or not enough porous, and what is the actual material structure of the powder
particle, how it has been sintered, what is it contamination etc.
Some other type of reactor [10] basing on catalytic effects (the CAT reactor from A.Rossi)
has been described having sufficient COP [10] (Coefficient of Performance, in otherword
ratio of output energy/input energy). The energy production mechanism has been
attributed to LENR since no classical thermodynamic phenomena would have explained
the observed energy excess produced. This reactor is making use of a porous Ni rich
Ni/Li/Al powder allowing first either water or H2 molecules to be adsorbed in the core of
the material and to be then dissociated into atomic hydrogen with the catalytic properties
of the Ni material. Considering water vapor as a precursor fuel material, hydrogen will be
produced with combined effect of catalysis and AL2O3. At this stage, the released atomic
hydrogen can have different use. One part will be used for chemical recombination energy
release and the other part will be possibly used for different LENR including HLi fusion
and HNi fusion. In order to be able to work continuously, the produced AL2O3 associated
to heat can be reduced with the oxidation of Li. However, from time to time, the Li oxide
will have to be regenerated with some hot flush of H2.
With these first examples, it appears that COP will depend on several main factors:
* Precursor fuel material should be produced with sufficient rates and brought on
sites where it can produce fusion reaction in sufficient amount.
*The energy consumtion for the achievement of this first condition should be low.
*Fusion reaction might be associated to chemical reaction producing energy release.
*Eventual atomic rearrangement, which can affect the transport of precursor material,
or the possibility for them to produce LENR.
*Regeneration mechanisms in terms of energy consumption and time off.
* Safety and control of power.
IV.4.2. Principle of faisible carbon Bethe CNO cycle fusion reactor
The Bethe CNO fusion cycle in stars makes use of free atoms and for which H+ is the
main precursor material meanwhile the carbon is regenerated at the end of the cycle. The
involved nuclear reactions (listed in table 3.) are already produced with relatively low
collision energies (~1KeV) and can be significantly enhanced with higher energies up to
5KeV. This range of energy correspond to ion energies which are of quite common use in
many surface science equipments and which are low compared to more usual protonproton and deuterium deuterium reactions (~ 10KeV to 100KeV).
It appears interesting to consider this sort of nuclear reactions in a carbon reactor, when
several other attractive arguments can be developped. The cycle is regenerating the
carbon, and produces no neutrons and no secondary radioactive waste, whenever emitting
some . Experimental studies achieved with proton irradiation about 1 to 5 Kev on carbon
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composite material and related materials kept at relatively high temperature (~1500K)
have shown that the H+ are implanted up to 80% of them to depth about 100 nm [79-80]
with much reduced erosion rates. With these features, it appears that somewhat energetic
collision (1KeV) can be produced with carbon atoms within the bulk of dense carbon
materials, at depth about 50 nm where the target carbon is surrounded by a dense atomic
network, which might be reducing somewhat the electrostac barrier potential of the
nucleus, meanwhile atomic packing density up to thousand times higher than in a plasma
is achieved and for which the Lawson condition appears to be quite optimum.
Quite intense flux of such H+ irradiation 5~1 mA/cm2 is quite commonly achieved with
equipment similar to those used or different technologic coating. Recombined H2 is
contributing to increase the hardness and the density of the carbon material, and will
prevent the coating to be degraded by the heat release all the more UV irradiation can help
to maintain the desired more dense carbon quality. The carbon can be easily regenerated,
and the H+ irradiation intensity can be easily controlled with appropriate pulsed modes.
Secondary reaction with helium, nitrogen and oxygen, will contribute to the energy
production efficiency.
V.CONCLUSIONS
With this presentation we have shown how quantum electronic sp3 atomic rearrangement
can be observed in carbon materials in making use of revisited Raman spectroscopy
fundamentals and how different kind of atomic rearrangement can be produced and under
which conditions. We have shown that this sort of atomic rearrangement activation is
mainly produced by chemical energy energy release of H2 N2 and C-C adsorbtion energy
release and how it is applicable to many other materials including metals for which the
atoms present different chemical states.
We have furthermore shown how the Lawson criterion, with which the nuclar fusion
conditions can be adapted to ion/ condensed matter interaction. This could be achieved
after having revisited almost qualitatively some aspect of nuclear quantum mechanic. We
have considered here some properties of a quantum vacuum where 3D density of cohesion
energy wave-paquet will interact similarly to classical wave mechanic in non viscous
fluids and where the wave-paquets will be considered as the elementary particles
themselves including all their properties and energy states.
We could then show how atomic rearrangement and their associated specific different
thermodynamics can affect the evaluation of some gas absorption and the measurement of
different energy release. We finally have proposed some principle of carbon proton fusion
reactor basing on the CBO Bethe cycle, where proton interact with nucleus belonging to a
dense condensed carbon matter and for which best COP can be expected. This is to be
considered with the point that the carbon target material can be easily kept in its stable
dense structure making use of the sp3 quantum electronic atomic rearrangement , and in
that the considered reactions can be produced with relatively reduced H+ energies.
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C + e+ + e
13
14
C + 1H
N+
14
1
15
N+ H
O+
15
15
O
N + e+ + e
15
12
N + 1H
C + 4He
+1,95
+2,22
+7,54
+7,35
+2,75
+4,96
MeV
MeV
MeV
MeV
MeV
MeV
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