QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS OF HE-4 IN THE GAS-PHASE OF PD+D2O ELECTROLYSIS

A method for the mass spectrometric quantitative determination, down t o the sub-ppb level, of the He-4 content in the gaseous products of co ld fusion Pd+D2O electrolytic cells is described. The data collected i n an experiment lasting over 1000 h provided a time picture of the phe nomena. Measurements of the Ne-20 content have also been performed in order to check air contamination. The methods and controls employed ar e suitable for use with non-dedicated mass spectrometers which cannot be operated in vacuum static conditions.