Initiation of nuclear reactions under laser irradiation of Au nanoparticles in the presence of Thorium aqua-ions

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that laser irradiation of gold nanoparticles in thorium nitrate solutions can initiate nuclear reactions, with reaction pathways influenced by the type of water used, leading to enhanced gamma activity post-exposure.

Contribution

It reveals the dependence of laser-induced nuclear reactions on water type and gas saturation, providing new insights into laser-driven nuclear processes in nanoparticle suspensions.

Findings

Nuclear reactions are initiated under laser irradiation of Au nanoparticles in Th(NO3)4 solutions.

Reaction pathways differ between H2O and D2O solvents.

Enhanced gamma activity persists hours after laser exposure.

Abstract

Initiation of nuclear reactions in Thorium nuclei is experimentally studied under laser exposure of Au nanoparticles suspended in the aqueous solution of Th(NO3)4 (232Th). It is found that the reaction pathway depends in which water, either H2O or D2O, the laser exposure is carried out. Saturation of the liquids (H2O or D2O) with gaseous H2 or D2, respectively, enhances the nuclear reactions under laser exposure allowing their excitation at peak intensity as low as 1010 W/cm2. Enhanced gamma-activity of the probe is observed after the end of laser exposure for several hours.