Nuclear recollisions in laser-assisted $\alpha$ decay

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how intense laser fields can induce recollisions of alpha particles emitted during decay, potentially triggering nuclear reactions within femtoseconds, despite not affecting the decay rate.

Contribution

It demonstrates that intense laser fields can cause alpha particles to recollide with the nucleus, enabling nuclear reactions without altering the decay tunneling rate.

Findings

Laser fields induce alpha particle recollisions at high intensities.

Recollision energies can reach up to 20 MeV.

Potential to trigger nuclear reactions on femtosecond timescales.

Abstract

Laser-induced nuclear recollisions following $\alpha$ decay in the presence of an intense laser field are investigated theoretically. We show that while an intense optical laser does not influence notably the tunneling rate in $\alpha$ decay, it can completely change the $\alpha$ particle spectrum. For intensities of $10^{22}-10^{23}$ W/cm$^{2}$, the field is strong enough to induce recollisions between the emitted $\alpha$ particle and the daughter nucleus. The energy gained by the $\alpha$ particle in the field can reach 20 MeV and suffice to trigger several types of nuclear reactions on a femtosecond time scale. Similar conclusions can be drawn about laser-induced recollisions after proton emission. Prospects for the experimental realization of laser-induced nuclear recollisions are discussed.