Abstract
Quantum-controlled motion of nuclei, starting from the nanometer-size ground state of a molecule, can potentially overcome some of the difficulties of thermonuclear fusion by compression of a fuel pellet or in a bulk plasma. Coherent laser control can manipulate nuclear motion precisely, achieving large phase space densities for the colliding nuclei. We combine quantum wavepacket propagation of D and T nuclei in a field-bound molecule with coherent control by a shaped laser pulse to demonstrate enhancement of nuclear collision rates. Atom-smashers powered by coherent control may become laboratory sources of particle bursts, and even assist muonic fusion.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 216-221 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Chemical Physics Letters |
Volume | 683 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2017 |
Keywords
- Boron hydride
- Deuterium
- Feit-Fleck algorithm
- Quantum control
- Tritium
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry