More From Rossi on Theory

There’s been quite a lot of discussion about the theoretical basis behind the E-Cat since the Lugano report was published, and more recentlyalso after the publication of the paper on ‘bound neutron tunneling’ by Carl-Oscar Gullström, which Andrea Rossi told me in an email (and gave me permission to repeat) he considered a ‘small jewel’ because it gave an interesting theoretical hypothesis to study.

I asked on the Journal of Nuclear physics about the reason for such interest, posting the following comment and question.

You have mentioned how you are very interested with the recent Gullstrom paper, and you and your team is studying it carefully. This suggests you are still learning about the theoretical basis of the E-Cat.

Can you create a satisfactory E-Cat product without a full understanding of the theory behind it?

Andrea Rossi responded:

Your question must be divided in different well distinguished points:
1- Yes, we are studying the paper of Gullstroem
2- We are studying at 360° all the possibilities of reconciliation between the Standard Model and the results of the ITP Report
3- I am studying the possible theoretical bases of the so called “Rossi Effect”, that I made through a Galilean methodology of try and error. As a matter of fact I think a theory is ready, but it is strictly bound to particulars of the reactor that cannot be disclosed so far. I am working upon the issue in collaboration with nuclear physicists.
4- To create a satisfactory product without a full understanding of the theory behind it is not just possible, it is what happens most of times for most of the inventions: circa 2550 years ago Pytagoras has burnt the fleet of the enemies assailing Syracuse using mirrors that reflected the sunrays: a full understanding of the theory behind this “Pytagoras Effect” has been found after 2450 years, with the discovery of photons. But the product worked pretty well, ask the enemies of Syracuse!
Obviously, the same principle is valid for the E-Cat.

Quite an interesting response, but still somewhat confusing. Rossi says he thinks a theory is ready, but he can’t say what it is because it could give away some proprietary information. But even with his own confidence in his theory garnered through trial and error, he and physicists on his team are still looking at the theoretical work of others, and the information provided by the Lugano report.

And even if theoretical issues are not settled, Rossi seems to consider the E-Cat to be functional and usable.