Direct observation of particles with energy >10 MeV/u from laser-induced processes with energy gain in ultra-dense deuterium

Abstract

AbstractNuclear fusion in ultra-dense deuterium D(-1) was reported previously to be induced by 0.2 J pulses with 5 ns pulse length, ejecting particles with energies in the MeV range. The ns-resolved signal from D(-1) to two in-line collectors at up to 1 m distance can be observed directly on an oscilloscope, showing particles with energies in the range 1–20 MeV u−1. They are probably mainly protons and deuterons in the form of neutral ultra-dense hydrogen H(-1) fragments. Electrons and photons give only small contributions to the fast signal. The observed signal at several mA peak current corresponds to 1 × 1013 particles released per laser shot and to an energy release >4 J assuming isotropic formation and average particle energy of 3 MeV. This corresponds to an energy gain of 30 in the process. A movable slit close to the laser target gives lateral resolution of the signal generation, showing almost only fast particles from the point of laser impact and penetrating photons from the plasma outside the laser impact point. The observation of multi-MeV particles indicates nuclear fusion, either as a source or as a result.