In the first seminar for 2025, on Thursday January 16th at 16:00 CET, Marco Tosca presenting “Advance target synthesis for laser-driven proton-boron fusion”.
LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88292945821?pwd=YBraWbUuDqmwuIOGpWHqpDbO4dR2gJ.1
Watch the recorded presentation: https://hb11.energy/science/
Download the Presentation: pptx pdf
Abstract:
High-intensity laser pulses interacting with materials rich in hydrogen and boron, can initiate the proton-boron (pB) fusion reaction, resulting in the generation of three energetic alpha particles (p+11B → 3He + 8.7 MeV). These alpha particles are of considerable interest in emerging applications such as green energy production and non-invasive cancer treatments.
One promising strategy for boosting alpha particle production involves experimenting with different target configurations: either adjusting the elemental composition in the reaction or improving the target’s laser absorption. In our research, we tested multiple customized targets rich in boron and hydrogen by employing thin films of ppC:H plasma polymers on BN substrates with varying densities. Using the high-energy TARANIS laser (8 J in 900 fs) and the tabletop PERLA B laser (15 mJ in 1.2 ps), we drove pB fusion reactions in these ppC:H films. Additionally, we explored nanostructured, hydrogen-rich materials, such as ppC:H nanoparticles, which, when combined with B-rich materials, were found to enhance laser-driven pB fusion.