The transfer of one neutron can beat the output of nuclear fusion, here’s the proof

Nuclear fusion is one of the most powerful reactions known to man. It is the process that powers the sun and stars and results in high energy output. However, realizing nuclear fusion in laboratory environments is quite a challenge, as it requires extreme temperature and pressure conditions.

A new study reveals a more practical alternative to nuclear fusion. It shows that stripping one neutron can produce comparable or greater output than a fusion reaction, especially in low-energy regions close to the minimum energy threshold required for a nuclear reaction.

Single-neutron stripping is a reaction in which a neutron is ejected from a moving nucleus when it hits another nucleus. It’s like hitting a ball (neutron) out of a moving box (nucleus) when it hits another box. This means that the moving box has one ball less.

Compared to nuclear fusion, nuclear stripping is much easier to achieve in the laboratory. Therefore, these findings open a new and feasible path to achieving our nuclear energy goals.

“By better understanding the behavior of nuclei under these conditions, we can improve our approach to nuclear energy production and radiation therapy,” said Jesús Lubián, one of the study authors and associate professor at Brazil’s Fluminense Federal University.

Decoding single-neutron transfer

Single-neutron stripping is a type of single-neutron transfer reaction. During the latter, the ejected neutron (from the moving nucleus) is absorbed by the target nucleus.

For decades, scientists have tried to understand the mechanism that leads to the transfer of neutrons in weakly bound nuclei. Decoding this mechanism is important because it can significantly improve our understanding of nuclear physics, including various nuclear reactions.

The authors of the study conducted an interesting experiment for this purpose. They studied the stripping process of one neutron between Li-6 (a lithium isotope) and Bi-209 (an isotope of bismuth). He then compared its output with that of the full fusion reaction involving the same isotopes.

They used the GALILEO Array (a grammar detector) in combination with the 4π Si-ball EUCLIDES (an advanced laser detector) to study the emission of gamma rays and detect charged particles during the reactions.

They also used a special method known as the gamma-gamma coincidence to study different gamma rays identified in the stripping of one neutron. “The gamma-gamma coincidence was crucial in isolating specific reaction channels, allowing the team to determine the behavior of nuclei under different conditions with high accuracy,” the researchers note.

The results of the neutron transfer between Be and Li surprised the researchers. This is what they found:

Stripping one neutron has enormous potential

In the above reaction, the weekly bound Li-6 collides with the much heavier Bi-209. The result of this interaction shows that the transfer of one neutron can produce an output similar to that of a fusion reaction.

“The single-neutron stripping process produces results comparable to full fusion reactions, especially in energy regions near nuclear barriers. Contrary to previous expectations, the results indicate that single-neutron transfer plays a dominant role at lower energies, exceeding the output of fusion reactions,” the study authors said.

These findings could unlock new possibilities for applying one-neutron transfer in areas such as nuclear energy research.

“The process underlines the complex and nuanced nature of nuclear reactions and provides a springboard for future scientific breakthroughs in nuclear science and technology,” the study authors said.

The research has been published in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques.