If it was actually possible to use a special catalyst to load ultra-dense hydrogen into non-active materials as I described, the Rossi way (whatever it truly is) might not necessarily be the best. One could use plain foils, or wires, and then, after a large loading of those H(0) clusters is somehow confirmed, attempt to pass an electrical current through them, whether in a controlled manner or by discharging a capacitor bank. Perhaps that would be enough to induce the same reaction that Holmlid observes with a laser.
Rossi may actually have done this at some point...below is a somwhat strangulated Google translation of an old post by Cures (from the waybackmachine) located for me by the estimable Hank Mills some time ago. Worth pointing out that hot tungsten wires dissociate H2, as will copper, magnesium, and perhaps cobalt/iron. I am hoping to obtain top-class translations of these btw. That is, if the Italian-language originals still exist. There is a lot of material there on triggering etc. The point of interest here is that Cures (who fell out with Rossi over his propensity to leak information) knew a lot about all the systems, and also knew Fiovoranti (yes he is a real and entirely separate persona) and both were present at a test done for the Italian Army (date unknown to me). But apparently it really happened.
Cures posted....."Copper - Raney nickel cuprate [!], cobalt and iron - the intrinsic pyrophoricity metal powders - problem of contamination of the office by oxygen - voices in the e-Cat takes place a contact between water and active charging - period of hours between start and power - conditioning of charge through cycles of absorption and release of H [but suffice do this once] - temperature-pressure cycle, the "tablet" on range pressurized much more limited - Pordenone observations a) we are operating at 1050C [!, and 350C of the third party? topic proton ceramics and their thermal limits], b) it is like in one hundred meters - count the hundredths of a second [interval "phonon" restricted power? - Instantaneous heating ramps [resistances tungsten] very accentuated] - hydrides that split in the release of the metal surface, particularly manifest with magnesium. For other time thoughts in sull'esafluoruro freedom of lanthanum, the bromine [= smell] and on acids Brønsted / protons. Good night."