Self-consistent coupling of stopping power and fusion dynamics

Establish a self-consistent theoretical coupling between proton-beam stopping power and proton–boron fusion reaction dynamics in beam–target fusion schemes.

Background

The paper explains that existing proton–boron fusion studies incorporating stopping power primarily use single-particle models. These approaches generally describe proton transport and energy loss without accounting for the feedback of deposited proton energy on the plasma state.

A still-unresolved issue is the construction of a theoretical framework that couples beam stopping power, plasma response, and fusion-reaction dynamics self-consistently. Such a framework is needed to determine how energy deposition and the resulting evolution of the target plasma modify proton transport and the resulting fusion yield in pitcher–catcher configurations.