Methods and systems for fusion-fission nuclear reactions

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and systems comprising sustaining a nuclear reaction. The reaction can comprise both a fusion reaction and a fission reaction of a fuel material (e.g., D2O) whereby one or more quanta of electromagnetic radiation excite the fusion fuel (e.g. deuterium pair) into a state of energy resonance with the fission fuel (e.g. oxygen). The catalytic quanta may excite multiple fusion-fission reactions. A host material may comprise core electrons that, when de-excited, produce radiation that can trigger additional reactions of the fuel material. The volume fraction of the fuel and host materials can be tuned to control a conversion ratio. The nuclear reaction can be amplified and sustained through electromagnetic radiation and charged particles rather than neutrons. Triggering radiation on the host / fuel material can initiate the nuclear reaction, initiate a chain reaction, or generate net positive energy through subcritical operation. The sustained nuclear reaction can generate heat as charged fission products scatter off electrons of the host material.

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