In the fourth seminar of the series, on February 29th at 16:00 CET, Dr. Fabio Belloni will delivered an intersting talk on “The physics basis of proton-boron fusion”.
LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81288481254?pwd=Oc4oHTWWse7WVnaVhZIOkLXHaPxoDm.1
Abstract:
Proton-boron fusion is experiencing a renewed interest as a possible energy source. The reaction (p + 11B → 3α + 8.6 MeV) is aneutronic and does not involve radioactive or rare isotopes. Ignition and burn of H-11B fuel, however, remains extremely challenging at present, because of severe physical and technological limitations [1-3]. Ideal ignition has been demonstrated only lately (and marginally) [4], thanks to revisited cross section data [5].
Starting from the basic physics of the p-11B reaction, the seminar will review potentialities and issues of this candidate fusion fuel. In this connection, newly proposed [6] reference cross section and reactivity for p-11B fusion will be presented, together with a revisit of ideal ignition conditions. Furthermore, approaches currently pursued toward energy production will be outlined, with a focus on inertial confinement. Finally, basic research needs for further progress in the field will be highlighted.
References
- C. Moreau 1977 Nucl. Fusion 17 13.
- M. Dawson 1981 Advanced fusion reactors Fusion vol 1 Part B, ed E Teller (New York: Academic) pp 453–502.
- Levush and S. Cuperman 1982 Nucl. Fusion 22 1519.
- V. Putvinski et al. 2019 Nucl. Fusion 59 076018.
- H. Sikora and H.R. Weller 2016 J. Fusion Energ. 35 538.
- Tentori and F. Belloni 2023 Nucl. Fusion 63 086001.
Short CV:
Dr. Fabio Belloni serves as the Head of the Fusion Research Sector at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium. He is also a Visiting Fellow at the Department of Engineering of UNSW Sydney, Australia.
He graduated in physics at the University of Pisa, Italy, and holds a PhD in plasma physics from the University of Salento, Italy. In the course of his career, Dr. Belloni has gained considerable expertise in nuclear sciences and laser-driven plasmas, and has worked at several research institutions in Europe, notably the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. His current research interests focus on nuclear fusion, particularly laser-driven proton-boron fusion. He has authored more than 100 scientific and energy-policy publications.
Among his responsibilities, Dr. Belloni is in charge of the definition and supervision of the Euratom research programme on fusion. He also represents the Euratom Community in the International Energy Agency’s Executive Committee for Cooperation on Tokamak Programmes, and serves as an expert in the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA), the DEMO Programme Steering Board, and the Standing Committee of the International Symposium on Fusion Nuclear Technology (ISFNT).
