The first technique consisted of alternating layers of pre-analyzed palladium and silicon through which a pulsed current was passed. The surrounding deuterium gas was pumped through a detector sensitive to beta emission which occasionally showed the presence of significant tritium. A technique presently being explored involves the use of pulsed, electric discharge in low-pressure deuterium. A palladium plate is the anode and a palladium wire is the cathode. As before, the surrounding gas is passed through a beta detector in a sealed, stainless steel system.
Tritium production is monitored in real time during the discharge.
Both methods have produced similar tritium levels. Tritium, when present as contamination, will show certain unique characteristics. Consequently, when tritium is detected, its possible origin as contamination can be easily demonstrated. Attempts to dismiss the appearance of tritium must take these behaviors into account. In addition, no tritium has been found in commercial palladium.