Dr. Max Fomitchev-Zamilov discusses his experimentation with acoustically-driven sonofusion (bubble fusion) reactions and the observation of neutron emission coincident with acoustic cavitation of deuterated titanium powder suspended in mineral oil. The resulting neutron emission was detected using an assembly of Helium-3 proportional neutron counters. The peak neutron count rate was in excess of 6500 CPM, more than 10,000 times in excess of background. The observed neutron emission was coincident with the application of acoustic influence.

In this presentation, Dr. Max Fomitchev-Zamilov of Maximus Energy Corporation provides a detailed overview his research on “Observation of Neutron Emission during Acoustic Cavitation,” a three-year study into bubble fusion (inertial confinement fusion). Using a relatively simple reactor with off-the-shelf components, he observed statistically significant neutron emission (20-30% above background) correlated with ultrasonic cavitation of a deuterium-infused mineral oil. While initially interpreted as evidence of bubble fusion, persistent elevated neutron counts after reactor shutdown, along with the inability to replicate results consistently, suggest a more complex phenomenon possibly involving solid-state cold fusion within titanium deuteride (TiD) particles.

The unexplained presence of oxidized mineral oil, borax, and other components in the initially successful working fluid further complicates the findings. Zemilov’s research, partially published in Nature Scientific Reports, highlights the challenges of replicating the experiment and the need for further investigation, including CFD modeling and high-speed diagnostics. He is currently seeking funding via WeFunder (wefunder.com/maximus.energy) to continue this research.

The Genesis of Bubble Fusion: A Simpler Approach

Fomitchev-Zamilov’s work focuses on inertial confinement fusion, a different approach than the more widely known magnetic confinement method used in projects like ITER. He explains the complexities of inertial confinement, using the National Ignition Facility’s laser-driven implosion of deuterium-tritium pellets as an example. While NIF has achieved a milestone of exceeding input energy in the pellet, it’s far from a commercially viable energy source. Zemilov’s approach, however, offers a potentially simpler path: using naturally spherical bubbles to achieve the same effect.

Building the Reactor: Off-the-Shelf Innovation

The heart of Fomitchev-Zamilov’s experiment is a surprisingly simple reactor: a 6-inch stainless steel tank filled with mineral oil, into which microscopic and nanoscopic deuterium bubbles are injected using an ultrasonic driver. The setup includes a vacuum pump, a laser diffraction system for bubble size measurement, and – crucially – helium-3 tubes for neutron detection. Many of the components are off-the-shelf, highlighting the ingenuity of the design.

Neutron Emission: A Statistical Symphony

The key to Fomitchev-Zamilov’s findings lies in the meticulous measurement of neutron emission. He emphasizes the critical role of statistical analysis in nuclear science, highlighting the need for multiple samples and rigorous testing to differentiate genuine signals from background noise. Using Poisson distributions and Student’s T-tests, his team demonstrated a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in neutron flux – 20-30% higher than background – when the reactor was activated.

The Unexpected: Persistent Neutron Emission and the Cold Fusion Conundrum

The initial results, published in Nature Scientific Reports, showed a clear correlation between reactor activation and neutron emission. However, subsequent experiments revealed a perplexing anomaly: neutron counts remained elevated after the reactor was shut down, taking hours to return to baseline. This unexpected persistence, reminiscent of the controversial cold fusion phenomenon, led Fomitchev-Zamilov to omit these findings from his initial publication.

Unraveling the Mystery: The Elusive Working Fluid

The source of the neutrons remains a central mystery. Fomitchev-Zamilov’s initial hypothesis of conventional thermonuclear fusion proved incorrect. The “magic” seems to lie in the working fluid itself, a complex mixture sourced, remarkably, from a waste bucket! This fluid contained oxidized mineral oil (possibly with copper soap), borax, deuterium oxide, titanium deuteride, hexadecane, and xenon. The presence of a significant electrostatic charge, due to filtration and Teflon tubing, is also suspected to play a crucial role.

The Role of Titanium Deuteride (TiD) and a Potential New Theory

Fomitchev-Zamilov strongly suspects that titanium deuteride (TiD) is a key component. He proposes a theory involving solid-state cold fusion, where cavitational jets from collapsing bubbles impinge on TiD particles, triggering fusion reactions. He’s even considering redesigning the reactor with a TiD bottom flange to maximize surface area.

The Road Ahead: Funding, Replication, and the Future of Bubble Fusion

Despite the challenges, Fomitchev-Zamilov remains optimistic. He’s seeking funding through WeFunder (wefunder.com/maximus.energy) to further his research, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and the development of high-speed diagnostics. The quest for replicating the results continues, highlighting the complex interplay of factors involved. The journey of Maximus Energy’s bubble fusion research is a testament to the unpredictable nature of scientific discovery, a reminder that even the most unexpected results can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements.