Enhanced α particle generation via proton-boron fusion reactions in laser-modulated plasma

Aneutronic and nonradioactive properties make the proton-boron fusion a prospective candidate for fusion energy production through reactions following p+^11B→3α (p-^11B). However, it is difficult to achieve a thermal fusion ignition, since the low reaction cross-sections for center-of-mass energy below ∼100 keV. To realize fusion energy gain, it is essential to consider utilization of the maximum cross-section at the resonant peak of p-^11B fusion, and explore the nuclear reactions in plasma environment. In this work, p-^11B reactions triggered by interactions between energetic proton beams and laser-ablated boron plasma have been investigated. More than 200 times enhancement of α particle emission efficiency (number ratio of escaping α particles and boron nuclei) in plasma has been observed, compared with the cold boron. The proton beam transport path modulated by strong electro-magnetic fields in plasma could dominate the enhanced α particle generation, due to a longer collisional length. In addition, an α particle yield up to 1×10^10 /sr has been measured via the pitcher-catcher scheme in plasma. This work could benefit understanding of the plasma effects on nuclear reaction dynamics, and also enable opportunities to explore physics in laser fusion associated with advanced fusion fuels.