Breakeven in Nuclear Fusion via Electron-Free Target

Abstract

Nuclear fusion promises a nearly limitless energy source, but achieving breakeven-where fusion output exceeds input-requires extreme plasma conditions and complex confinement systems. Here we propose an alternative approach based on beam-target interactions, introducing a simple energy-based criterion that compares fusion energy generation with energy loss. By creating electron-free targets, stopping power is drastically reduced, enabling conditions where fusion energy surpasses beam energy deposition under practical scenarios. This approach offers a viable alternative pathway to fusion energy without high-temperature plasma confinement and warrants further experimental investigation.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: DT reaction cross-section vs. center-of-mass energy.
• Figure 2: Energy loss vs. energy generation per target thickness (mol/cm$^2$) in a typical target.
• Figure 3: Integrated fusion energy gain as the beam slows down from $E_B$ to near zero. Black curve: total generated fusion energy $E_{\mathrm{gen}}$ (MeV). Blue curve: ratio $E_{\mathrm{gen}}/E_B$ (dimensionless), indicating energy multiplication relative to the incident beam energy. Note that the two curves have different units; the left axis corresponds to $E_{\mathrm{gen}}$ [MeV], while the right axis corresponds to $E_{\mathrm{gen}}/E_B$. The inverse of $E_{\mathrm{gen}}/E_B$ represents the minimum accelerator efficiency required for breakeven.