Spectral emission of fractional quantum energy levels of atomic hydrogen from a helium-hydrogen plasma and the implications for dark matter

From a solution of a Schrodinger-type wave equation with a nonradiative boundary condition based on Maxwell's equations, Mills predicts that atomic hydrogen may undergo a catalytic reaction with certain atomized elements and ions which singly or multiply ionize at integer multiples of the potential energy of atomic hydrogen, m27.2 eV wherein m is an integer. The reaction involves a nonradiative energy transfer to form a hydrogen atom that is lower in energy than unreacted atomic hydrogen that corresponds to a fractional principal quantum number (n = 1 / p = 1 / integer replaces the well-known parameter n = integer in the Rydberg equation for hydrogen excited states). One such atomic catalytic system involves helium ions. The second ionization energy of helium is 54.4 eV; thus, the ionization reaction of He+ to He2+ has a net enthalpy of reaction of 54.4 eV which is equivalent to 2 x 27.2 eV. Since the products of the catalysis reaction have binding energies of m27.2 eV, they may further serve as catalysts. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopy was recorded on microwave and glow discharges of helium with 2% hydrogen. Novel emission lines were observed with energies of q13.6 eV where q = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 1 l or these lines inelastically scattered by helium atoms wherein 21.2 eV was absorbed in the excitation of He (1s(2)) to He (1s(1) 2p(1)). These lines were identified as hydrogen transitions to electronic energy levels below the "ground" state corresponding to fractional quantum numbers. Furthermore, astrophysical data was reviewed and such transitions were found to match certain spectral lines of the extreme ultraviolet background of interstellar space. They may resolve the paradox of the identity of dark matter and account for many celestial observations such as: diffuse Halpha emission is ubiquitous throughout the Galaxy and widespread sources of flux shortward of 912 Angstrom are required. Fractional hydrogen transitions were also assigned to unidentified lines in the solar EUV spectrum which may resolve the solar neutrino problem, the mystery of the cause of sunspots and other solar activity, and why the Sun emits X-rays. 2002 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.