The 3rd International Workshop on Proton-Boron Fusion

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18. A multi-MeV Alpha Particle Source via Proton-Boron fusion driven by a 10-GW Tabletop Laser

Lecture

Nuclear fusion between protons and boron-11 nuclei has undergone a revival of interest thanks to the rapid progress in pulsed laser technology. Potential applications of such reaction range from controlled nuclear fusion to radiobiology and cancer therapy. A laser-driven fusion approach consists in the interaction of high-power, high-intensity pulses with H- and B-rich targets. We report on a...

54. Advanced Time-of-Flight detection methodologies for fast real-time ion diagnostics in laser-triggered proton-boron experiments

Lecture

The detection of accelerated particles is a powerful method to get information on the physics of intense laser-matter interaction, in both Inertial Confinement Fusion and Laser-Plasma Acceleration schemes, and then of high importance for schemes of laser-triggered p-11B nuclear reaction. Nowadays, the actual exploitation of high-repetition rates of the new laser facilities requires to run...

39. Advancements in Pulsed Laser Deposition of boron-based targets for p-11B studies

Lecture

The aneutronic $^{11}$B(p,α)2α fusion reaction has gathered growing research interest in the last years, aided by the experimental results made possible by the latest laser technology. Promising applications range from fusion energy production to alfa particle sources [1] and medical applications such as hadron therapy [2], all benefitting from the absence of neutron fields.
In this context,...

9. Alpha particle beam produced through laser driven Proton Beam

Poster

With the aim to overcome the problems related to the climate changes and adopting to the modern medical applications, producing large scale of sustainable energy by nuclear fusion is one of the viable options. Ignition of heavy hydrogen isotopes deuterium (D) and tritium (T) have come close through ignition in the research carried over worldwide for the past six decades. But one of the...

19. Analysis of laser-driven plasma irradiated CR-39 for proton-boron fusion particle yields

Lecture

Solid state nuclear track detectors are widely used in the laser-plasma community to retrieve quantitative particle numbers. Their single particle sensitivity makes them particularly interesting for detecting alpha particles from laser-driven proton-boron fusion [1]. Their widespread use has led to a variety of different approaches to their read-out via etching and microscopy, as well as the...

44. Challenges, perspectives and applications of the laser driven proton-boron fusion. The COST Action PROton BOron Nuclear fusion: from energy production to medical applicatiOns (PROBONO)

Lecture

The proton-boron fusion reaction produces three alpha particles, via different reaction channels, and releases a large energy [1]. It is considered as an interesting alternative to deuterium-tritium fusion because it is aneutronic. Therefore, a very low activation and radioactive wastes are expected to appear as a result of this reaction.

The COST Action CA21128 - PROBONO (PROton BOron...

26. Contrast enhancement at ELI-NP allowing for laser interaction with nanostructured fusion targets

Poster

Nanostructured targets are capable of efficient energy and power absorption of ultra-intense laser radiation, making them an attractive component of fuel mixes for laser-driven fusion [1]. High temporal laser contrast is essential to prevent early-stage target ionization, maximizing the laser-plasma energy deposition. In this context, a recent collaboration between Marvel Fusion, the Extreme...

13. Contrast enhancement via second harmonic generation in a PW-level glass laser system for novel laser-driven nanostructured fusion schemes

Lecture

Ultra-intense laser pulses intrinsically contain a preceding energy distribution that has a fundamental impact on laser-plasma energy coupling and particle acceleration. Reduction of such preceding energy is commonly referred to as ‘intensity contrast enhancement’ and it is particularly required to prevent plasma expansion or even target disintegration at an early stage of the laser...

56. CR-39 track detector calibration with H and He beams for future applications in the p-11B fusion reaction

Lecture

The 11B(p,α)2α reaction has emerged as a promising avenue for clean and efficient energy generation. Currently, worldwide experiments have demonstrated the possibility to initiate p-11B fusion reactions through laser-plasma interaction schemes. The understanding of p-11B fusion reaction in plasmas is therefore still an open question that can be approached successfully by tailored laser-matter...

6. Design of Equation of State experiments on boron nitride in extreme conditions

Poster

Boron nitride is an interesting material for various fields in physics. First of all for physics of matter, due to its similar properties to diamond and graphite according to its crystalline structure and density (the principal configurations of BN are hexagonal and cubic, respectively with ρhex= 2,15 g/cm3 , ρcub = 3,45 g/cm3).
In ICF, BN has been proposed as an alternative ablator. The bulk...

58. Diagnostics for fusion applications based on CVD diamond

Lecture

Author: Christina Weiss
Abstract
Proton-boron fusion applications require a reliable tool for particle diagnostics. Elevated
temperatures and radiation levels as well as high particle rates are challenges for the used radiation
diagnostics. The determination of the proton flux and the spectroscopy of alpha particles as reaction
products of proton-boron fusion are the focus. Neutron...

50. Diagnostics of Proton-Boron nuclear reaction products in the Plasma-Focus Device

Lecture

The Plasma-Focus is a Z-pinch type device, build of two coaxial electrodes separated by insulator, enclosed in vacuum chamber filled with low-pressure (in the order of few hPa) gas. The high voltage (several kV) applied to electrodes starts break-down near the insulator, initiating formation of plasma sheath.
The plasma, generated during rapid current build-up (in order of 5 microseconds),...

10. Energetic alpha particles generated in resonant proton-Boron reactions in laser-modulated plasmas

Lecture

Aneutronic and nonradioactive properties make proton and boron advanced fusion fuels for ideal energy source production through reactions following p+11B→3α (p-B). However, it is extremely difficult to achieve fusion ignition with p-B reactions, since the intrinsic restriction of the cross-sections. To solve the contradiction between the clean fuel requirement and low cross-sections, it is...

48. Enhanced In-Target Alpha Particle Generation using the kJ LFEX Laser System

Lecture

High fluxes of multi-MeV alpha particles can be generated via fusion between protons and boron-11 nuclei (pB fusion) in intense laser-plasma interactions. The alpha particle yield in the in-target configuration can be enhanced through the target characteristics. Using the 2.2 ps, kJ LFEX laser system to irradiate polymer coated boron nitride (BN) targets, protons were accelerated from the...

11. ENN’s proton-boron fusion research towards fusion energy

Lecture

ENN's fusion strategy focuses on p-11B fusion in a spherical torus (ST), driven by the goal of energy commercialization. This approach takes advantage of aneutronic reactions for a more compact design and higher performance. In October 2018, ENN started the EXL-50 (medium size ST) experiment to test solenoid-free plasma startup and current maintenance, and a record non-inductive current drive...

25. Experiment activities towards the validation of a directly driven, nanostructured, mixed-fuel fusion reactor

Lecture

Marvel Fusion has proposed a laser direct-drive, volume-heated reactor concept with mixed nuclear fusion fuels that can transform external laser energy efficiently into secondary particles and fusion energy. The reactor makes use of a range of neutronic and aneutronic fuels such as proton-boron. The core of the reactor is made of an integrated, nanoscopic, nuclear-fusion-fuel-based,...

12. Experimental study of Proton-boron fusion in a hydrogen-doped-boron target

Lecture

The cross-section of p-11B reaction is lower than the D-T reaction D(T,n)α, but it has the advantages of abundant fuel and no direct production of high-energy neutrons during the reaction process. In recent years, it has received more and more attention in the commercial utilization of fusion energy. We measured the α production yield using protons in the 120-260 keV energy range impinging...

53. Feasibility Study of Neutronic Analysis and Activity Inventories using Monte Carlo code for the Proton-Boron Fusion Installations

Poster

Materials used in the Proton-Boron fusion devices require rigorous testing as the conditions present in the environment of nuclear fusion reactions are quite extreme. Materials are subject to the neutron and heat fluxes. In order to evaluate the effect of neutron irradiation numerical methods must be applied as so far no experimental installation can provide satisfactory estimates considering...

34. FLUKA capabilities for the simulation of nuclear reactions of p on B

Lecture

FLUKA is a general-purpose Monte Carlo code able to simulate the transport and interaction of photons, leptons, hadrons, and ions in complex geometries, over an energy range extending from the keV (even the meV for thermal neutrons) up to the PeV. It is applicable to a wide variety of fields, including accelerator design and operation, detector studies, dosimetry, radiation protection, medical...

17. Front side ion acceleration in a nano-structured target into the incoming femto-second laser pulse

Lecture

Ultra-short and super-intense laser pulses interacting with nano-structured targets can lead to strong laser absorption and there after particle acceleration [1,2]. While the laser undergoes complete depletion inside the nano-structured targets due to volumetric absorption, the particles get accelerated due to different physical mechanisms such as target normal sheath acceleration (front side...

42. Generation of radioisotopes using high-repetition, high-intensity lasers

Lecture

Recent experiments with high-intensity lasers have shown record production of alpha particles by irradiating boron-hydrogen targets [1], [2]. This opened the way to completely new studies on proton-boron fusion with multiple goals: studies related to nuclear fusion [3], studies on possible generation of novel laser-driven alpha-particle sources [4], enhancing effectiveness of the Proton Boron...

22. Glioblastoma cell response to photon and proton irradiation in the presence of boron compounds

Lecture

Increased cell killing efficiency of proton beams in the presence of boron was previously observed for in vitro cultivated cancer cells. However, the mechanism of the observed effect is not clear. The insight and understanding of what happened to and within cells doped by boron compounds after proton irradiation could open new perspectives for streamlining radiotherapy of aggressive tumours....

41. High Repetition Rate Target System for Proton-Boron Fusion

Poster

Authors: Nina Gamaiunova, Timofej Chagovets, Valeria Istokskaia, Maksym Tryus, Marco Tosca, Arsenios Hadjikiriakou and Lorenzo Giuffrida

Proton-boron fusion, a neutron-less nuclear reaction discovered for the first time in 1933, has garnered significant interest as a subject of study using high-power lasers, owing to its potential applications as a source of energetic alpha-particles....

36. High Repetition Rate, High Flux, Laser-Driven Alpha-Sources with Proposed Ammonia-Borane Droplet-Targets, Tape-Targets and Disc-Targets

Lecture

Abstract
Borane target materials appear to be ideal materials for laser-driven Proton-Boron fusion alpha sources because they are rich in Hydrogen [1]. For example, Ammonia Borane (H3BNH3) molecules have a Hydrogen-to-Borane ratio of 600%, which is close to the ratio theoretically expected to optimal for Proton-Boron fusion [2]. Boranes are mostly in gas form and solid form. The micro- and...

24. High Throughput Processing / Microscopy of SSNTDs for laser-driven pB11 reactions

Poster

Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) are commonly used in the laser-plasma community to retrieve quantitative particle numbers in laser-matter interaction experiments. CR-39 detectors, or Poly(allyl diglycol carbonate), one of several types of synthetic SSNTDs, are particularly suitable for fielded use during an experiment. They are invisible to EMP effects unlike other possible high...

49. Investigation of p-11 B Nuclear Fusion Reaction with Optimized Targets and Diagnostics at the PALS Facility in Prague

Lecture

The proton-boron (p-11B) nuclear fusion reaction stands out for its unique ability to generate energetic alpha particles while avoiding neutron production. In this experimental study conducted at the PALS facility in Prague, we utilized an optimized target configuration, comprising a plastic thin foil with a thin layer of pure 11B deposited on the target's rear surface, provided by INFN-LNS....

43. Ions stopping power of p -$^{11}$B reaction in laser-generated plasma

Poster

In the last years the study and employment of plasma-based systems has grown most rapidly and evidently will also grow quickly in the years to come. Given the high density and temperature of the plasma, the study of nuclear reaction in plasma is important to investigate the physical properties of nuclear matter (structure, lifetime, reaction mechanisms, etc.) that may change within complex...

20. Is proton boron capture therapy based on intercellular signaling?

Lecture

Boron at clinically feasible levels has been demonstrated to increase cell killing by proton beams, selectively in their Bragg peak region, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of proton radiotherapy. The suggested mechanism is based on proton-boron capture, p + $^{11}$B → $^{12}$C* → $\alpha$ + $^{8}$Be → 3 $\alpha$ nuclear reaction, with cross section sharply peaking below 1 MeV....

29. Laser shock compression BN EOS measurement up to 1.6 TPa

Lecture

As a low-Z chemical element, Boron and boron compounds are important both in the astrophysical context and in the study of p-B nuclear fusion. Boron nitride (BN) have been proposed as alternative ablator[1] comparing CH and high density carbon [2], because it could enable better coupling between the laser and capsule in inertial confinement fusion. The phase diagram of BN predicted is similar...

47. Laser-driven proton-boron reaction for alpha particles production

Lecture

The proton-boron fusion reaction (P + 11B ==> 3(4He) + 8.7 MeV) generating 3 α-particles, opens the possibility of developing a novel generation of high brightness α-particle source, with potential applications spanning from for fusion energy [1] to medical treatment [2, 3], in particular for the production of radioisotopes for either diagnostics (PET imaging) or medical treatment....

28. Laser-induced, intense multi-MeV proton beam formed through D(d,p)T reaction and its potential application in proton-boron fusion

Poster

Recent advancements of alpha particle production during p+11B reaction in most cases, either pitcher-catcher or in-target scenario, were possible due to sophisticated, precisely engineered targets and PW-class facilities offering highly energetic proton beams [1][2].
As needed as they are, these kind of experiments are not widely available, therefore alternative approaches are being explored,...

46. Laser-Initiated 11B(p,α)2α fusion reactions in petawatt-scale, high-repetition-rate laser facilities

Lecture

The interaction of lasers with matter can trigger fusion reactions in laboratory conditions. In particular, the p+$^{11}$B→ 3α + 8.7 MeV represents a potential alternative to the best-known candidate for future reactors, i.e. the deuterium-tritium (DT) reaction. The aneutronic p+$^{11}$B reaction is, indeed, attracting for many applications such as fusion energy production [1,2], astrophysics...

31. Machine learning prediction of cross-sections for 43,44 Sc radioisotope production from alpha-induced reactions at Ca target

Poster

The isotopes 43Sc and 44Sc are interesting isotopes that could be used for PET. One of the alternative reactions to produce these isotopes of Sc is alpha-induced reactions. By bombarding the Ca isotope target with alpha particles, it is possible to produce 43Sc and 44Sc radioisotopes whose half-lives are very close to each other. Besides the experimental measurements and theoretical...

30. Measurements of p11B alphas in a magnetically confined plasma

Lecture

Recent works re-evaluating the pB11 fusion cross-section [1] and calculating the associated reactivity with kinetic effects [2] and alpha channeling [3] included have shown that the possible energy gain from a magnetically confined pB11 fusion plasma is even larger than previously thought. With that end in mind, TAE Technologies is developing a magnetic confinement concept capable of burning...

4. Medically Important Radionuclides Obtained by Alpha Particle Irradiation

Lecture

Some radionuclides used in nuclear medicine have unique properties. These include the α-emitter 211Ac and the β- emitter 61Cu used in therapy, and the PET radionuclide 43Sc used in PET diagnostics. Unfortunately, they can be effectively produced only on α particle-accelerating cyclotrons in α,n, and α,p reactions. 211At seems to be the most promising candidate for targeted α- radiotherapy...

32. Nanoparticles of plasma polymerized hexane as targets for laser-driven proton-boron fusion

Poster

In the last years, the laser-driven proton boron (pB) nuclear reaction (p+11B3 He + 8.7 MeV) has become a very interesting and attractive topic for the scientific community. In this method, laser pulses of high intensity irradiate hydrogen- and boron-rich materials to trigger the pB fusion with the generation of three energetic alpha particles. Recently, thin films of hydrocarbon plasma...

40. Optimisation of catcher target thickness in laser-driven proton-boron fusion experiments

Poster

The pitcher-catcher scheme for proton-boron fusion combines a TNSA-created proton beam with energies in the MeV order of magnitude and a boron target (the catcher). The beam is directed towards the catcher allowing the protons to react with the boron atoms and produce fusion reactions.
The stopping powers of $\alpha$-particles and protons are quite different. In particular, $\alpha$-particles...

57. Overview of Marvel Fusion

Lecture

Georg Korn, Hartmut Ruhl
Overview of Marvel Fusion

5. Preparations for and Early Results of pB11 Tests in FF-2B Dense Plasma Focus

Lecture

Experiments with deuterium fill gas have demonstrated that ion energies >200 keV, relevant to pB11 fusion, can be obtained in a dense plasma focus (DPF) device. Theoretical calculations and simulations show that high levels of fusion burn are possible with peak currents near 2.4 MA. These calculations have shown that in the dense plasmoids produced by the DPF electron temperature and x-ray...

23. Progress report on the planned Marvel Fusion experimental area at the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications

Poster

Marvel Fusion has proposed a laser-driven, non-thermal reactor concept based on nanostructured, mixed(pBDT)-fuel targets that enables efficient laser energy conversion into secondary particles and fusion energy [1]. Part of Marvel Fusion’s roadmap is to validate this nano-accelerator at existing laser facilities worldwide.

Marvel Fusion has been collaborating with LMU Munich since 2022 to...

21. Prospective laser characterization developments at the 2x10 PW laser facility of ELI-NP

Lecture

Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics research facility, in Romania, hosting HPLS, a dual arm laser system delivering up to 10 PW pulses on each arm at a repetition rate of 1 shot/min [1,2], will be introduced.
Laser driven experiments have three major components – laser, targetry and detectors. The talk will focus on the former: laser pulses qualification and tuning at ELI-NP....

15. Proton therapy efficacy enhancement by combined use of proton boron fusion and very high dose rate irradiation

Lecture

The use of very high, FLASH, dose rates (above 40 Gy/s) is proving to be a promising approach to increase sparing of healthy tissue in front of the tumor while keeping the same killing effectiveness of cancer cells. Most of the current research has been conducted with accelerated electrons, mainly due to the technical difficulties with ion acceleration to such dose rates. Despite it, the use...

51. Proton–Boron Nuclear Fusion Reactions in the Plasma-Focus Device

Poster

The operation of a Plasma-Focus is based on the pulsed electrical discharge through gases contained between two coaxial electrodes, separated by an insulator. High voltage applied to the electrodes immersed in a low pressure (of the order of few torrs) gas causes an electrical break-down along the insulator. From the point of view of p-11B fusion reaction, properties of the plasma created as a...

52. R&D ON THE SILICON CARBIDE BASED DETECTORS AND INSTRUMENTATION CHARACTERISATION TECHNIQUES FOR ULTRA-HIGH DOSE RATE DOSIMETRY AND NICLEAR FUSSION

Lecture

In this presentation a brief insight into Silicon Carbide detectors developed within CERN RD50 Collaboration will be presented. Silicon Carbide based detectors as real-time radiation dosimeters will be discussed too. Additionally, we will present the concept for the fs-laser based Two Photon Absorption - Technique of Transient Currents as state of the art 3D characterization tool. Our aim is...

38. Radioisotopes production using lasers: from basic science to applications

Lecture

M. R. D. Rodrigues1, A. Bonasera1,4,
J. A. Pérez-Hernández2, M. Ehret2, M. Huault2, R. Lera2, L. Volpe2,10,
F. Consoli3, M. Scisciò3, P. L. Andreoli3, M. Alonzo3, F. Filippi3, M. Cipriani3, G. Di Giorgio3, G. Cristofari3, R. De Angelis3,
G. G. Rapisarda4, G. A. P. Cirrone4, F. Consoli4, G. Petringa4, M. La Cognata4, D. Lattuada4,7, G. L. Guardo4,
D. Margarone5,6, A. McNamee5, D....

16. Simulations of production of alpha particles sources through proton-boron nuclear reactions initiated by relativistic lasers

Lecture

Proton-Boron nuclear reactions have been actively studied these last few years as a possible way of producing secondary alpha particles sources. Proton acceleration by interaction of ultra-high intense lasers with hydrogenated targets is the preferred way to initiate those type of reactions. [1] The alpha particles sources are studied for production of radio-isotopes as medical applications to...

7. Status, prospects and basic research needs of p-11B fusion

Lecture

Proton-boron fusion is experiencing a renewed interest as a possible energy source. The reaction (p + 11B → 3α + 8.6 MeV) is aneutronic and does not involve radioactive or rare isotopes. Ignition and burn of H-11B fuel, however, remains extremely challenging at present, because of severe physical and technological limitations [1-3]. Ideal ignition has been demonstrated only lately (and...

35. Synthesis of advanced (NH3-BH3) ammonia borane targets at FBK for laser driven proton boron fusion experiments

Lecture

Various NH3-BH3 ammonia borane solid samples have been realized at the Micro-Nano Facility Laboratories of Fondazione Bruno Kessler as novel targets materials for applications in laser-driven proton-boron (pB) nuclear fusion.
The samples were synthesized by a practical, large-scale ambient temperature synthesis. The obtained powder was pelletized to be suitable for laser driven experiments....

45. Target Fabrication Strategies at General Atomics for Proton-Boron Fusion Experiments

Lecture

General Atomics (GA) is an American energy and defense corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, with over 65 years of experience in research and technology development in support of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion energy.
Currently, GA hosts and operates the DIII-D National Fusion Facility – a tokamak magnetic confinement fusion reactor – and it is manufacturing the central...

27. Target morphology effects in the interaction of ultra-intense laser pulses with nanostructured boron

Lecture

Relativistic laser-plasma interactions enable the conversion of laser energy into high-energy particles and secondary radiation. Tailoring the electron density of the target material to values close to the critical density enables efficient absorption of the laser pulse, which consequently leads to higher particle yields and energies. One attractive way to achieve near-critical densities is by...

55. The FUSION project: p(11B, α)2α fusion reaction studies for energy production and other applications

Lecture

Since 2005 the p(11B, α)2α fusion has been effectively induced by means of high-power lasers [1]. Then, an impressive and not yet fully explained progression in the reaction yield has been observed [2-6] to the extent that the reaction has become of interest to the energy sector, where it is being considered as a potential future approach to conventional Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)...

33. The picosecond petawatt program at the National Laboratory on High Power Laser and Physics in China

Lecture

This presentation discusses the picosecond petawatt laser program at the National Laboratory on High Power Laser and Physics, SIOM, CAS, in China.

37. Towards p-11B fusion configurations with high Pfus/PBrems ratio

Lecture

The development of fusion oriented experiments [1] or fusion power plans, based on compact fusion devices [2, 3, 4] depends strongly on the relation Q = Pfus/PBrems > 1, which is directly related with the fusion medium initial conditions. For the case of the p-11B fusion medium, it is well established [5, 6, 7, 8, 9] that ignition and self-sustained fusion conditions (Q > 1) are ensured at a...