I think I understand know how a virtual neutron can be created in the a metal like Ni or Pd. First I've never have been a hydro fan, because it seemed to violate the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. If it sub S(n=1) quantums states did exist in H there should be a very strong series of sub S(n=1) lamer lines in the ultraviolet which have never been observed. I think the same would appear in the binding properties of H in a metal, so I'm skeptical of the sub S(n=1) quantum states.
However, it could it be possible that the radius of the S(n=1) can be influenced by the sea of charge from the conduction electrons in certain metals? After reading a the vortex discussions on the Latest issue of the Condensed Matter Nuclear Physics, It seemed interesting that Ni-62+ virtual n (ie p + sub s(n=1)e.) -> Cu 63 + weak beta-. However, I still could not bring myself to accept, that a p + sub s(n=1) e- could make a virtual neutron. Electron screening is fairly well accepted theory but nothing close to making a virtual neutron. But then, I started thinking; you know metals are a much different environment from a gas state that we normally think of for hydrogen atoms. What if instead of the electrons moving to a sub s(n=1) state simply is the standard s(n=1) shrunken due to electro-static repulsion from sea of electrons that makes up the background charge of the host metal? In that case, the physics should be fairly simple to understand. Amazingly then there are no miracles! If this speculation is correct, it might be demonstrable in an electron density map comparing standard metal, with a hydrated metal. Neutron scattering of a hydrated metal could be very revealing (and I suspect that has already been done somewhere). X-ray crystallography studies of hydrated metals might also show evidence of a compacted hydrogen s(n=1) state. If that is possible, it becomes the first time that I can see how the heat from Ni H could be nuclear in origin. Cheers!
