Micro-scale fusion in dense relativistic nanowire array plasmas

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion
• High-Energy Density Physics
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Spherical plasma compressions using large lasers are standard for nuclear fusion.
• Compact ultrafast lasers offer a potential alternative for fusion research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a dense fusion environment using joule-level laser pulses on nanostructures.
• To investigate the efficiency of D-D fusion reactions and neutron production.

Main Methods:

• Irradiation of ordered deuterated polyethylene nanowire arrays with femtosecond laser pulses.
• Acceleration of deuterons to MeV energies within ultra-high energy density plasmas.
• Measurement of fusion neutrons and yield per joule.

Main Results:

• Achieved a dense fusion environment with joule-level laser pulses.
• Observed efficient D-D fusion reactions and ultrafast neutron bursts.
• Measured up to 2 × 10^6 fusion neutrons per joule, a 500-fold increase over flat targets, a record for joule-level lasers.
• Confirmed a rapid increase in neutron yield with laser pulse energy.

Conclusions:

• Compact ultrafast lasers can efficiently drive nuclear fusion reactions.
• The developed method offers a significant advancement in neutron yield for joule-level lasers.
• Potential for developing ultrafast quasi-monoenergetic neutron point sources for scientific applications.