Quantum controlled fusion

Eduardo Berrios, Martin Gruebele, Peter G. Wolynes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)216-221
Number of pages6
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume683
DOIs
StatePublished - 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

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