Substantially enhanced deuteron-triton fusion probabilities in intense low-frequency laser fields

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that intense low-frequency laser fields can significantly increase deuteron-triton fusion probabilities, potentially reducing the extreme temperature requirements for controlled nuclear fusion.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of enhancing DT fusion probabilities using intense low-frequency laser fields, which could relax the high-temperature constraints of fusion.

Findings

Fusion probabilities increased by at least an order of magnitude at 800 nm with 10^21 W/cm^2 intensity.

Low-frequency lasers transfer energy efficiently to the DT system, enhancing fusion likelihood.

Potential to relax the temperature requirements for controlled nuclear fusion.

Abstract

Deuteron-triton (DT) fusion is the primary fusion reaction used in controlled fusion research, mainly for its relatively high reaction cross sections compared to other fusion options. Even so, to attain appreciable reaction probabilities very high temperatures (on the order of 10-100 million kelvins) are required, which are extremely challenging to achieve and maintain. We show that intense low-frequency laser fields, such as those in the near-infrared regime for the majority of intense laser facilities around the world, are highly effective in transferring energy to the DT system and enhancing the DT fusion probabilities. The fusion probabilities are shown to be enhanced by at least an order of magnitude in 800-nm laser fields with intensities on the order of 10$^{21}$ W/cm$^2$. The demanding temperature requirement of controlled nuclear fusion may be relaxed if intense low-frequency lasers are exploited.