Computation of Optimum Thickness of Boron Target for p-11B Fusion by Plasma Focus Device

Document Type : Research

Author
Amir Raeisdana
Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jmrph.2026.122909.0
Abstract
Proton-boron11 fusion is an aneutronic fusion reaction that produces 3 α particles. The advantage of this reaction over D-T fusion is that no neutrons are produced and there is no neutron activation and no waste production. The proton-boron11 fusion energy is clean and economical. Given that 3 alpha particles are produced and each alpha particle has double positive charge, it can be directly converted into the electrical energy without the need for the thermodynamic cycle. This increases the efficiency of electricity generation. The disadvantage of p-11B fusion compared to D-T fusion is requiring to higher energy to initiate the reaction. The cross-section of this reaction has two peaks at energies of 160keV and 675 keV. In this study, a plasma focus device has been proposed to perform p-11B fusion reactions, so that p-11B fusion can be achieved by using the beam-target method and emitting protons towards the boron target. In order to detect the emitted alpha particles, the CR39 and polycarbonate nuclear track detectors are used. For the detection of pure alpha without protons, the arrangement of nuclear track detectors is very important and requires high accuracy. Considering the simultaneous emission of protons and alpha particles, the arrangement of detectors and the selection of the boron thickness foil should be such that only alpha particles can be detected. In this study, the optimal thickness of the boron target for the detection of alpha particles behind the target has been calculated using SRIM code.
Keywords
p-11B Fusion Reaction
Plasma Focus Device
SRIM code
Optimum Thickness of Boron ; Alpha particle detection
Subjects
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Journal Of Modern Research Physics
Volume 11, Issue 1 - Serial Number 20
September 2026
Pages 59-66