Part 2/7:
At the core of this cold fusion model lies a reactor enclosure containing a mixture of nickel powder, metal hydride, and a beta emitter. The focus is on two isotopes of nickel: Ni-62 and Ni-64. The choice of these isotopes is crucial, as they play a significant role in the fusion process.
The reactor is designed to facilitate the dissociation of hydrogen molecules into hydrogen atoms. This step is vital, as it sets the stage for the formation of what is known as a Rydberg state — a highly excited state of hydrogen where the electron orbits at a much larger radius compared to its ground state. This unique state is thought to possess magnetic properties that allow it to effectively interact with the nuclear states of the nickel isotopes.