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F. Alzofon’s 1994 experiments DO NOT prove his model of gravity

Posted on July 16, 2019 by David Prutchi Posted in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance NMR, Theoretical Physics, Uncategorized

NOTE:  A detailed critique with high-resolution figures is available in pdf format at: Prutchi Critique of Alzofon Gravity Control Experiments

Lately, most of my ham radio activity has been in the microwave bands, and I was thinking about developing a demonstration Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) apparatus to combine my amateur radio and experimental physics hobbies. The inspiration was a 1990s paper on building a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscope using an amateur radio HF rig which was published in one of the ham radio magazines [Holcomb, 1996]. My idea was to come up with a modern version of the concept by performing Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) at the amateur microwave bands by taking advantage that low-cost SDR transmitter/receivers up to 6GHz, powerful large neodymium magnets, and affordable transistor-based amplifiers are now widely available.

EPR, also known as ESR (Electron Spin Resonance) is an analytical spectroscopy method for studying materials with unpaired electrons. EPR is conceptually similar to NMR, but it is electron spins that are excited instead of the spins of atomic nuclei.

I have the math in the pdf white paper, but putting it simply, the sample is placed under an external magnetic field with a strength measured in Tesla [T]. The resonant precession frequency for free electrons happens at approximately 28 GHz/T.

In EPR systems commonly used in chemistry analytical labs, using a magnet with a field strength of 0.335 T (3,350 Gauss), the EPR frequency for free electrons is thus around 9.4 GHz. ONLY at around one right frequency will electrons precess for a given magnetic field strength.

So, it was researching for the DIY EPR project that I landed on a YouTube interview with David Alzofon. In it he discussed his father’s work on “gravity control” through Dynamic Nuclear Orientation, which could be achieved by applying pulsed EPR on a high-purity aluminum sample.   I would usually not bite onto antigravity claims, but it intrigued me because of Dr. Fredrick Alzofon’s reported understanding of physics, and mainly by the claim that he had experimentally demonstrated his theory using a standard laboratory EPR system.

The interview was very interesting, so I purchased David Alzofon’s book “Gravity Control with Present Technology” and read it carefully. Dr. Alzofon’s gravity theory is very elegant. However, I’ve seen many beautiful, but wrong explanations of gravity before, so I looked forward to the claimed experimental proof. His claim of positive results from an experiment conducted in May of 1994 using a Chemistry Department’s EPR system looked promising, so as I was reading the book, I was already planning to design my EPR device to work within the 10 GHz amateur band (for which I have the necessary equipment with power capabilities of up to 10.5W) and to add a precision scale to try to replicate Dr. Alzofon’s results.

The experiment consisted of monitoring the weight of the sample using a precision scale connected to a computer while the microwave field was pulsed on for 6 ms, followed by a 6 ms off period, and on again for 6 ms. Recording and averaging by the computer was started 1 ms prior to the first microwave pulse, but in the first set of experiments the recording seems to have started 5-6 ms prior to the first pulse [Page 138].

The figure below shows my analysis of results from the best run of Alzofon’s first experiment. It’s easy to see that the measured weight loss correlates with the presumed delivery of microwaves into the EPR instrument’s cavity.

All was going well, until I saw the results of Experiment 3, Test 4, labeled “Control” [Page 157] which shows that the exact same “weight loss” results were obtained with the magnet off!

Based on Dr. Alzofon’s model, weight loss should not have occurred with the magnetic field OFF, since dynamic nuclear orientation couldn’t happen if the EPR resonance condition was not satisfied during the microwave ON periods!

To this effect, in the third paragraph of page 133 Alzofon writes:

“Could the weight alteration be caused by anything other than the configuration of the fields? … Microwaves alone would have no effect on weight, either.”

According to the book, Experiment 3 was conducted as a demonstration for a potential investor, and I can just imagine Dr. Alzofon and his colleagues playing their version of “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” trying to distract their guests when the AF2004 graph appeared on the screen.

The book provides the following explanation to accompany the AF2004 (Control) graph:

“The current supplying the electromagnet to produce a constant magnetic field was switched off for Test No. 4 in order to test the role of the constant magnetic field in the correlations noted above. There remained a weak residual magnetic field whose magnitude was not measured. The correlation between the microwave field intensity and weight increments is still present.

It is felt that a plausible explanation for this persistence is that the fractional alteration in resonant microwave frequency is equal to the fractional variation in the constant magnetic field. Since the resonant frequency is so large (about 9.5 GHz), the bandwidth must also be very large, corresponding to alterations in the magnetic field. Plot AF2004 illustrates the correlation observed.”

The “plausible explanation” doesn’t make any sense to me, since any residual remaining field would be significantly lower than the field strength necessary to satisfy the conditions for EPR at 9.5 GHz. This would be especially true for the type of EPR spectroscope used in Dr. Alzofon’s experiments, since these use a very narrow frequency band to be able to look at the fine differences in a sample’s electron g-factor.

Given that experiment AF2004 is labeled as “Control,” I believe that the proper way to use it would be to subtract AF2004 from AF2003. In the following I present an overlay of the AF2003 (magnetic field ON) and AF2004 (magnetic field OFF). I fail to see any difference between the two outside the noise limit of the system, so I have to conclude that there is absolutely no variation that could be legitimately attributed to a reduction in weight of the test sample.

Next during Experiment 3, both the constant magnetic field and the microwave field were switched off. The graph labeled AF2005 showed no significant variation in weight, just a low-level noise baseline. This confirms to me that something in the switching of the microwave source produced an artifact in the weight measurement system which was incorrectly attributed by Dr. Alzofon as a valid signal.

In conclusion, I believe that the graph of AF2004 (Control, with magnetic field turned OFF) completely invalidates the claim that Dr. Alzofon’s model has been “experimentally proven.”

In his book and interviews David Alzofon invokes the usual suppression conspiracies to explain the lack of interest by Academia, Industry, the Military, and even Hollywood in pursuing his father’s model. However, I believe that the actual reason is much more mundane – any physicist or engineer who saw AF2004 would have immediately realized that the experimental data shows absolutely no effect on the gravitational pull experienced by the sample.

I laud David Alzofon for his honesty in including the AF2004 graph, because it not only invalidates the alleged experimental demonstration of the effect, but actually provides negative evidence against it.

I tried contacting David Alzofon via email at gravity@gravitycontrol.io seeking comments regarding this matter, but received no response.

REFERENCES

Alzofon F, and Alzofon D, Gravity Control with Present Technology, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018.

Holcomb W., “Try NMR with your old CW rig”, Communications Quarterly, Winter 1996, 23-28, 1996.

Murakami A, Live Call with David Alzofon on Gravity Control, 2019-04-21, https://youtu.be/C5I0yOxUEeQ

A detailed critique with high-resolution figures is available in pdf format at: Prutchi Critique of Alzofon Gravity Control Experiments

EmotiGlass Takes 4th Prize in 2018 Hackaday Prize!

Posted on November 5, 2018 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

Jason Meyers and I won 4th place in The Hackaday Prize 2018 for our project “EmotiGlass”.

A complete whitepaper is available at: EmotiGlass – v4.1 PUBLISHED –

 

 

OT: EmotiGlass Project Submitted for The Hackaday Prize 2018

Posted on October 21, 2018 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

Jason Meyers and I submitted our project “EmotiGlass” as our entry in The Hackaday Prize 2018.

All augmented reality devices so far provide an interactive experience of the real-world environment that is enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.  In contrast, the EmotiGlass project explores ways in which a computer can modulate the user’s EMOTIONAL perception of reality.  Our projects aims to develop the first “Modulated-Emotion Reality” device.  EmotiGlass enables completely new applications in the field of augmented reality in which emotional biases can be manipulated by computer applications. Additionally, EmotiGlass has potential therapeutic applications as an aid to help control stress and anxiety.

To demonstrate and develop the EmotiGlass concept, a wearable prototype was designed and constructed.  This open-source project was designed from the beginning to be easy to build using tools and materials widely available to makers and hobbyists.  Full design files and detailed build instructions are available at the hackaday.io project page so that anyone can reproduce or extend the EmotiGlass design.

NOTE: The potential therapeutic applications for EmotiGlass have not been reviewed by FDA or any other regulatory agency.

A complete whitepaper is available at: EmotiGlass – v4.1 PUBLISHED –

 

DOLPi Camera Wins Gadget Freak of the Year Award!

Posted on November 22, 2016 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

Gadget Freak of the Year AwardDavid Prutchi won Design News’ prestigious “Gadget Freak of the Year” award for his development of the DOLPi diy Polarimetric Cameras.

David will present the DOLPi project at MD&M West in February 2017. The award will be presented at the Golden Mousetrap Awards Ceremony during the show.

Design News’ Golden Mousetrap Awards are part of UBM’s broader Anaheim event, North America’s most comprehensive design and manufacturing tradeshow and conference. Comprised of six shows and interrelated conferences from the company’s portfolio, the event includes Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West, Electronics West, Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West, Pacific Design & Manufacturing, PLASTEC West, and WestPack, and attracts more than 20,000 attendees.

Meetup in Siberia

Posted on September 25, 2016 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

novosibirskhardwarehackers

I was recently in Novosibirsk (Siberia, Russia) to run some clinical trials at the Meshalkin Novosibirsk Institute of Blood Circulation Pathology.

I took advantage of the opportunity, and made contact with fellow hardware hackers Eugene Mikhantiev (tall fellow with blue shirt in back) of the Akademgorodok NSU Hackspace, and Alexey Grischenko  (brown shirt, sitting in front) of HackNsk.   Eugene quickly organized a tour of the Incubator at Academpark, and a fun informal meetup with members of the hackspaces at the Technopark of the Novosibirsk Academgorodok.

I greatly enjoyed meeting you guys!  Thank you Eugene for your kind and warm hospitality!

Click here for high-res picture.

 

New Book on Ultraviolet Photography

Posted on July 2, 2016 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

Exploring Ultraviolet Photography book by David Prutchi PhD.

My new book “Exploring Ultraviolet Photography: Bee Vision, Forensic Imaging, and Other Near Ultraviolet Adventures with Your DSLR” is now available on Amazon for pre-order.

In this book, I will show you how to select equipment that allows you to capture otherworldly UV images. You’ll learn how to use filters that block visible light and prevent infrared light leaks and will discover how supplementing or overpowering sunlight with artificial UV light sources can help you create stronger images. You’ll also learn postprocessing techniques designed to enhance your UV photographs.

There is much to discover about the world as seen by bees, birds, and butterflies (and other creatures). I will take you into the wild to capture UV images that show how flowers advertise their nectar with beautiful markings to attract pollinating insects and birds. You’ll also discover how butterflies that look dull in visible light burst with intricate, iridescent patterns in UV.

Finally, you’ll learn about the scientific, medical, and forensic uses of ultraviolet photography.

From start to finish, this book will educate, inspire photographic creativity, and foster a better understanding of the UV world.

DOLPi DIY Polarimetric Camera Awarded 5th Place in 2015 Hackaday Prize

Posted on November 30, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

David Prutcho PhD 5th place Hackaday prize winner

The DOLPi Raspberry Pi-based polarimetric cameras received 5th place in the 2015 Hackaday Prize.  Winners for this year’s prizes were announced on stage at the Hackaday Superconference on November 14, 2015.

The DOLPi project involved the development and construction of two low-cost polarimetric camera types based on the Raspberry Pi 2. DOLPi-MECH (and its productized IR-VIS-UV version DOLPi-UI) is a filter-wheel-type camera capable of performing full Stokes analysis, while the electro-optic based DOLPi-EO camera performs full linear polarimetric analysis at higher frame rate. Complete Python code for polarimetric imaging is presented. Various applications for the cameras are described, especially their use for locating mines and unexploded ordinance in humanitarian demining operations.

CLICK HERE for a complete project description including detailed construction instructions and Python code in pdf format.

 

 

DOLPi Final Version of Whitepaper and Video

Posted on October 26, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

 

The final version of the DOLPi whitepaper is now available here: DOLPi_Polarimetric_Camera_D_Prutchi_2015_v5

DOLPi is a Hack-a-Day Prize Finalist!

Posted on October 5, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

HackadayPrize

Hack-a-Day just announced the finalists for the 2015 Prize, and DOLPi is one of them!  Hack-a-Day Prize 2015 Finalists for the announcement.

Here is the list of Finalists:

  • DOLPi – RasPi Polarization Camera
  • FarmBot – CNC Farming and Gardening
  • Eye Controlled Wheelchair!
  • Gas Sensor For Emergency Workers
  • Household Electrically Enhanced Wet Scrubber
  • Luka EV
  • Portable environmental monitor
  • Light Electric Utility Vehicle
  • Vinduino, a wine grower’s water saving project
  • OpenBionics Affordable Prosthetic Hands

 

 

New Liquid Crystal Panel AC driver for DOLPi

Posted on October 3, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

AC Driver for the DOLPi Polarization Camera by David Prutchi PhD​

Although the circuit of shown so far as the liquid crystal panel’s AC driver works well, I’m not too happy with the intrinsic non-linearity of the FET.  Because of this, today I designed and tested an alternative, a bit more complex, but I believe more elegant design.  In the circuit shown above, the LCP drive amplitude tracks linearly with the DAC’s output.

The non-inverting amplifier built around U1 approximately doubles the output of the DAC. This voltage is then presented to an H-bridge implemented by the analog switches in U2. The H-bridge produces a continuous biphasic train at a frequency given by the oscillator built around U3A and U3B. U4 doubles the +5V coming from the Raspberry Pi to power U1 and U2. The LCP is connected between the legs of the H-bridge.

New Version of DOLPi Whitepaper Released (v4)

Posted on October 2, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

DOLPi polarimetric cameras by David Prutchi

A new version of the DOLPi polarimetric camera whitepaper has been released at: DOLPi_Polarimetric_Camera_D_Prutchi_2015_v4

DOLPi Whitepaper V.3 Published

Posted on September 25, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

DOLPi polarimetric cameras by David Prutchi

The new version of the whitepaper is available at: DOLPi_Polarimetric_Camera_D_Prutchi_2015_v3

New DOLPi Project Overview Video Uploaded

Posted on September 20, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

 

New, Complete Version of DOLPi Whitepaper Available

Posted on September 19, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

DOLPi polarimetric cameras by David Prutchi

A new, complete version of the whitepaper on DOLPi is available for download here:  DOLPi_Polarimetric_Camera_D_Prutchi_2015_v2

This paper presents the development and construction of two low-cost polarimetric cameras based on the Raspberry Pi 2.  “DOLPi-MECH” is a filter-wheel-type camera capable of performing full Stokes analysis, while the electro-optic based “DOLPi” camera performs full linear polarimetric analysis at higher frame rate.  Complete Python code for polarimetric imaging is presented.  Various applications for the cameras are described, especially its use for locating mines and unexploded ordinance in humanitarian demining operations.

DOLPi_Mech: A Slower But Accurate Imaging Polarimeter

Posted on August 24, 2015 by David Prutchi Posted in Uncategorized

DOLPi-Mech Filter Wheel Polarimetric Camera David Prutchi Ph.D.

The image that the liquid-crystal-panel-based DOLPi takes at “45 degrees” is not strictly that, which is why I state in the paper:

“Bossa Nova’s method is straightforward if laboratory optical-grade components are used. These are very expensive and out of reach for most private enthusiasts. However, I found through experimentation that a welding mask LCP and a polarizer sheet can also give very satisfactory results.”

In reality, the LCP driven half-way acts as a quarter-wave plate, and hence the strict interpretation of the analysis at this level is for circular polarization rather than linear polarization at 45 degrees.

I didn’t want to go into a thorough explanation of polarization optics to keep the project accessible, but based on my experiments, I’m convinced that DOLPi’s “45 degree image” indeed contains a dominant 45 degree component when observing linearly polarized light.

This weekend I decided to build a mechanical filter-wheel-based polarimetric camera to serve as a basis for comparison to the LCP_based DOLPi. This camera is much slower than the LCP-based DOLPi because of the mechanical switching of filters, but it provides the data necessary for complete Stokes imaging (including the fourth Stokes parameter describing circular polarization). The pictures that it produces are of excellent quality!

Continue reading→

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