Do supersolids or BECs have higher fusion cross sections?

In summary, the Lawson criterion states that a fusion reaction can only occur in a confined plasma due to the product of temperature and pressure. The Coulomb barrier also makes it unlikely for fusion to occur when shooting high-energy nucleons at a nuclear target. However, exotic states of matter, such as supersolids or Bose-Einstein condensates, may have higher fusion cross sections compared to plasma or conventional matter. This raises the question of whether a small target in these states could sustain a fusion chain reaction if triggered by a single nuclear fusion. However, the Coulomb barrier still remains a challenge, especially for high-energy interactions.
  • #1
dbooksta
5
0
The Lawson criterion suggests that a chain fusion reaction will only occur in a confined plasma. Since it's a product of temperature and pressure (or density) a chain reaction would be virtually impossible in a cold target at pressures attainable in a lab.

Likewise, the Coulomb barrier makes it very unlikely that simply shooting a high-energy nucleon at a nuclear target will actually fuse instead of scattering. I.e., the reaction "cross section" is very small.

But exotic states of matter do not have "typical" density behaviors. Is the fusion cross section of a supersolid or Bose-Einstein condensate much higher than that of plasma or conventional matter? Could a small target in those states conceivably sustain a fusion chain reaction through the entire target if a single nuclear fusion were triggered?

(The obvious motivation for the question: If the cross section can be sufficiently amplified then net-positive beam-target fusion might possible.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Coulomb barrier is still there. For low-energetic reactions a BEC can behave differently due to coherent effects, but once you look at high-energetic interactions they are incoherent anyway.
 

Related to Do supersolids or BECs have higher fusion cross sections?

1. What is the difference between supersolids and BECs?

Supersolids and BECs (Bose-Einstein condensates) are two states of matter that can both exhibit superfluidity, meaning they have zero viscosity and can flow without resistance. The main difference is that supersolids are solids with superfluid properties, while BECs are gases of atoms or particles that have been cooled to extremely low temperatures and condensed into a single quantum state.

2. Can supersolids and BECs undergo fusion reactions?

Both supersolids and BECs can potentially undergo fusion reactions, but the conditions for achieving fusion are different for each. Supersolids would need to be compressed and heated to very high temperatures, while BECs require ultra-low temperatures and precise control of quantum states.

3. How does the fusion cross section of supersolids compare to that of BECs?

The fusion cross section, which measures the likelihood of fusion reactions occurring, is generally higher for supersolids than for BECs. This is because supersolids are denser and have stronger interactions between particles, making it easier for fusion to occur.

4. What are the potential applications of supersolids and BECs in fusion research?

Supersolids and BECs are both being studied for their potential applications in fusion energy research. Supersolids could potentially be used as a fuel for fusion reactions, while BECs could be used to study the behavior of particles in extreme conditions and improve our understanding of fusion processes.

5. Are there any challenges or limitations to using supersolids and BECs for fusion?

Both supersolids and BECs have unique challenges and limitations when it comes to using them for fusion. Supersolids are difficult to create and maintain in a stable state, while BECs require complex and expensive equipment to achieve and control. Additionally, the extreme conditions needed for fusion in both cases make it challenging to conduct experiments and gather data.

Similar threads

I Understanding Nuclear Fusion Cross Section Diagrams
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Calculating Collision Cross Section in Fusion Reactors
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
29
Views
4K
A What is wrong with particle acceleration based fusion?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Stellar nuclear fusion: Mean cross section and velocity theorem
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
4K
Fusion tritium problem solution?
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
9
Views
2K
A How do soft Pomerons become hard?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
998
B Exploring Nuclear Fusion: IEC Fusion Reactor Construction and Operation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
19
Views
3K
Nuclear Collsions fusion cross section
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
6K
Amount of scattering calculated from scattering cross section
    • Optics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Capture Cross Section for a Neutron
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top