Researchers Rohit Kumar, H. Desilets, and R. T. deSouza from Indiana University have conducted a study focused on measuring specific nuclear reactions that could have implications for understanding stellar processes and potentially energy production. Their work, published in the journal Physical Review C, details the measurement of proton capture on oxygen-19 and oxygen-20 nuclei using an advanced detection system.
The study utilized an active target detector known as MuSIC@Indiana, with methane gas (CH4) serving as the target material. The researchers employed inverse kinematics, a method where the target nuclei are effectively made to move towards the beam of protons. This approach allowed them to reject unreacted and inelastically scattered beam particles, as well as other unwanted reactions involving carbon-12, thereby isolating the (p,n) cross section—the probability of a proton capturing a neutron from the oxygen nucleus.
One of the key challenges in this research was the small cross-section for direct (p,n) processes at the energies involved. However, by carefully analyzing the data, the team was able to extract the proton fusion cross-section, which is a crucial parameter for understanding the likelihood of fusion reactions occurring between protons and oxygen nuclei. This measurement provides valuable insights into the fundamental processes that drive stellar nucleosynthesis and could contribute to the development of advanced energy technologies.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are primarily foundational. Understanding the cross-sections for these nuclear reactions can help in the design and optimization of fusion energy systems, particularly those that involve oxygen isotopes. While fusion energy is still in the developmental stages, detailed knowledge of such reactions is essential for advancing the field and bringing fusion power closer to practical implementation. The researchers’ work represents a step forward in this direction, offering a more precise understanding of the interactions between protons and oxygen nuclei.
In summary, the study by Kumar, Desilets, and deSouza provides a refined measurement of proton capture on oxygen-19 and oxygen-20 nuclei, utilizing advanced detection techniques and analytical methods. Their findings contribute to the broader scientific understanding of nuclear reactions and could have long-term implications for the development of fusion energy technologies. The research was published in the journal Physical Review C, a reputable source for peer-reviewed studies in nuclear physics.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.