ORNL Synopsis: Analysis of a Metallic Specimen

Synopsis: Analysis of a Metallic Specimen8
Conclusion
AARO secured ORNL to independently assess the requirements necessary to confirm or contest public claims
that this historical specimen is of non-terrestrial origin and that it is capable of functioning as a bismuth-based
terahertz waveguide. Although the origin, chain of custody, and ultimate purpose of this specimen remain unclear,
a modern and robust analysis of its chemical and structural composition and properties does not indicate that its
origin is non-terrestrial, nor do the data indicate that the material examined ever had the pure single-crystalline
bismuth layer that could possibly have acted as a terahertz waveguide. The intended or actual past use of the
material remains undetermined, but ORNL has a high level of confidence that all data indicate the material was
manufactured terrestrially—albeit using an uncommon mixture of elements by today’s standards—and then incurred
damage caused by mechanical and heat stressors.
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