Deuterium Clusters DN and Mixed K–D and D–H Clusters of Rydberg Matter: High Temperatures and Strong Coupling to Ultra-Dense Deuterium

Ultra-dense deuterium D(−1) can be formed by a catalytic process from Rydberg Matter (RM) of deuterium as reported previously. Laser-induced inertial confinement fusion (ICF) has recently been observed in this material. The formation of D(−1) is now studied through experiments observing the deuterium RM clusters DN in excitation levels nB = 1, 3 and 4. These levels are intermediate in the formation process of D(−1). Laser-induced fragmentation is used, with neutral time-of-flight (TOF) and TOF–MS measurements of the kinetic energy release (KER) from the quantized Coulomb explosions (CE). Several types of pure DN clusters, mixed clusters containing both D and H atoms, and clusters containing both D and K atoms are identified. The large planar RM clusters which are common for H and K are less common for D. The neutral DN clusters are small and have high kinetic temperature, typically at 100 K instead of 10 K for KN and HN. Large DN+ clusters are only observed when an electric field is applied, probably stabilized by increased cooling. A strong coupling of the D(1) laser fragmentation signal to the ultra-dense D(−1) signal is observed, and the materials D(1) and D(−1) are two rapidly interchangeable forms of quantum fluids.