Robin,
➢ The 8.8 MeV gamma may have enough energy to fission the U all by itself through giant dipole resonance. Yes, that could happen but the probability is low. Spontaneous fission is also possible but unlikely. They are saying that deuterium disintegration is relatively high probability. ➢ When a neutron is added to U235 to create U236, only about 6.5 MeV is released, which is less than 8.8 MeV, yet addition of the neutron is sufficient to fission the nucleus. Not sure that I understand what you are saying. The mass of the neutron is around a GeV which is going to trigger a chain of events following a prompt release - and when fusion happens due to the massive destabilization following the absorption, the net energy release within a short time is around 50 MeV plus several free neutrons which can continue the chain reaction. However, the potential importance of this paper, if it can be believed, is that a mystery particle(s) result from deuterium disintegration– ala Holmlid except with gamma irradiation instead of laser irradiation. But in this case, apparently the mystery particle continues a chain reaction, with or without neutrons. He should be clearer of course. It would be hugely important - if it were true.
