The transfer of a single neutron can surpass nuclear fusion in performance, here is the proof

Nuclear fusion is one of the most powerful reactions known to mankind. It is the process that powers the Sun and stars and results in a high-energy output. Achieving nuclear fusion in laboratory conditions is, however, quite challenging, as it requires extreme temperature and pressure conditions.

A new study reveals a more practical alternative to nuclear fusion. It shows that single-neutron stripping can produce similar or higher power than fusion reactions, especially in low-energy regions near 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 collides with another nucleus. It’s like knocking a ball (neutron) out of a moving box (nucleus) when it hits another box. This leaves the moving box with one less ball.

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

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

Decoding the transfer of a single neutron

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

For decades, scientists have struggled to understand the mechanism that leads to neutron transfer in weakly bound nuclei. It is important to decode this mechanism because it can greatly 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 single neutron stripping process between Li-6 (an isotope of lithium) and Bi-209 (an isotope of bismuth). He then compared its output with that of a complete fusion reaction involving the same isotopes.

They used the GALILEO Array (grammatic beam detector) in combination with the 4π Si-ball EUCLIDES (advanced laser detector) to study gamma-ray emissions and detect charged particles during reactions.

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

The results of the neutron transfer between Be and Li surprised the scientists. Here’s what they found:

Single neutron stripping 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 a single neutron is capable of producing an output similar to that of a fusion reaction.

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

These findings may open new opportunities for the use of single-neutron transfer in areas such as nuclear energy research.

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

The study is published in a journal Nuclear Science and Technology.