Recent research led by Md Ashaduzzaman from the Department of Physics at the University of Naples Federico II has focused on the elusive phenomenon of true ternary fission (TTF), a process where a nucleus splits into three nearly equal fragments. This study, published in the journal “Applied Sciences,” aims to deepen our understanding of nuclear fission dynamics and its potential applications in the energy sector.
TTF is a less common form of nuclear fission compared to the traditional binary fission, where a nucleus divides into two lighter nuclei. The research highlights that TTF could potentially occur in two different ways: directly, known as direct ternary fission (DTF), or through a two-step process called sequential ternary fission (STF). Understanding the mechanisms behind TTF is crucial, as it may offer insights into the competition between different fission pathways, particularly in the context of heavy-ion-induced reactions.
The researchers have chosen the reaction of argon-40 with lead-208 at a beam energy of 230 MeV as a benchmark to explore TTF. This specific interaction is believed to create a compound nucleus that could enhance the likelihood of TTF occurring. “By using heavy-ion-induced reactions, it would be possible to test the above conditions that are supposed to ignite TTF by changing the neutron to proton ratio of the fissioning nucleus and its excitation energy,” Ashaduzzaman explains.
The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical physics. As the energy sector seeks to innovate and improve nuclear technologies, understanding TTF could lead to more efficient nuclear reactions, potentially enhancing energy production. The study suggests that the conditions created during heavy-ion collisions might increase the probability of TTF, which could yield a higher energy output compared to binary fission.
Moreover, the ability to accurately measure the kinetic energies and identify the resulting fragments from these reactions could provide valuable data for the development of advanced nuclear reactors. These reactors could harness the energy from ternary fission processes more effectively, leading to more sustainable and powerful energy solutions.
As the nuclear energy landscape evolves, research such as this is vital for paving the way toward new technologies that can maximize energy output while minimizing waste. The findings from Ashaduzzaman’s work not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of nuclear physics but also open doors for commercial opportunities in the energy sector, particularly in the development of next-generation nuclear reactors that could leverage the unique characteristics of ternary fission.
This study serves as a reminder of the ongoing exploration in nuclear science and its potential to transform energy production, making it a topic of keen interest for both scientists and industry stakeholders alike.
