Experimental Study of Neutron Formation in X-Ray Discharge: Is There a Challenge to Standard Model?

Abstract

In this paper we examine the puzzle of neutron formation in atmospheric discharge. While conventional explanation relies on photonuclear reactions, voltages used to recreate such discharges in the lab (1 MV) are thought to be not high enough to accelerate electrons beyond the threshold of photonuclear reactions (10.5 MeV). We have proposed a solution to the neutron formation puzzle and point out that rapidly changing magnetic vector potential creates strong electrokinetic field that can accelerate free electrons to energies that are much higher than what is possible with the voltage of the discharge. We report on the development of highly sophisticated and extremely sensitive neutron detector system that can reliably detect neutron fluxes smaller than 0.1 CPS above background and is completely impervious to EM noise. Finally, we present measurements of weak yet statistically significant neutron fluxes originating from sustained 20-30 kV / 20-30 mA X-ray producing discharge in dilute atmosphere.