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 high-energy output. However, achieving nuclear fusion in lab settings is quite challenging as it requires extreme temperature and pressure conditions.
A new study reveals a more practical alternative to nuclear fusion. It shows that one-neutron stripping can produce similar or more output than a fusion reaction, particularly in low-energy regions close to the minimum energy threshold required for a nuclear reaction.
One-neutron stripping is a reaction during which a neutron from a moving nucleus is kicked out as it hits another nucleus. It is 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 lab. Therefore, these findings open a new and feasible avenue for achieving our nuclear energy goals.
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