The Non-thermal Energy Window for Laser-Driven Nuclear Reactions

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytical framework to evaluate nuclear reaction rates in laser-driven plasma conditions, revealing a new effective energy window distinct from the traditional Gamow window, aiding laboratory astrophysics experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analytical model for non-thermal nuclear reaction rates in laser-plasma interactions, expanding the understanding beyond conventional thermal assumptions.

Findings

Identification of a new effective energy window for laser-driven reactions

Derivation of an analytical expression for non-thermal reactivity

Framework applicable to laboratory astrophysics experiments

Abstract

Astrophysical nuclear reaction rates in stellar environments are governed by the Gamow window, where Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions and quantum tunneling probabilities combine to produce effective reactivity. However, this conventional formulation is inadequate for the non-thermal ion distributions generated in ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions. Here, we introduce an analytical framework, based on a Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) mechanism, to evaluate nuclear reaction rates under these non-equilibrium conditions. We identify a new effective energy window and analytical expression of the fusion reactivity distinct from the conventional Gamow window, providing a predictive tool for laboratory astrophysics experiments designed to replicate astrophysical nuclear processes using laser-driven nuclear reactions.