Small-scale Nuclear Fusion Could Become a New Source of Energy (University of Gothenburg, Sweden Press Release)

Thanks to David Nygren of the LENR Forum for sharing about the following press release published by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The below translation comes from Google with some edits. Link to the original document is here: http://www.gu.se/omuniversitetet/aktuellt/nyheter/detalj//smaskalig-karnfusion-kan-bli-ny-energikalla.cid1323710

Fusion power could soon be used in small power plants. This means environmentally friendly heat and electricity at a low cost of the fuel in water. Both heat generators and generators for electricity can be developed within a few years, based on research that has taken place mainly at the University of Gothenburg.

Nuclear fusion is a process in which atomic nuclei fuse together and release energy. Because of the small atomic nuclei low binding energy can release energy for merging two small nuclei into heavier.

In a collaboration between researchers at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Iceland, a new type of nuclear fusion process is studied. It gives almost no neutrons but instead fast heavy electrons (muons) because it is based on nuclear reactions in the ultra-dense heavy hydrogen (deuterium).

– This is a big advantage compared to other fusion processes that are under development at other research facilities, as the neutrons from such processes can produce dangerous radiation damage, says Leif Holmlid, professor emeritus at the University of Gothenburg.

No radioactive radiation

The new fusion can be used with laser ignition in relatively small fusion reactors with heavy hydrogen (deuterium) as fuel. It has already been shown to produce more energy than is needed to start it. Heavy hydrogen is abundant in ordinary water and are easily recoverable. The dangerous radioactive heavy hydrogen (tritium) which are likely to be required for major future fusion reactors with magnetic confinement thus not needed.

– A great advantage of fast heavy electrons from the new process is that they are charged and therefore can directly give electric energy. The energy of the neutrons produced in large quantities in other types of nuclear fusion are difficult to handle because the neutrons are uncharged. Such neutrons have high energy and are very harmful to living organisms, while the fast heavy electrons is considerably less dangerous.

Neutrons are difficult to slow down or stop, and demand meter-thick reactor containments. Muons, fast heavy electrons, rapidly disintegrates into ordinary electrons and similar particles.

Research shows that much smaller and simpler fusion reactors can be manufactured. The next step is a generator of direct electric energy.

The research in this area has been supported by GU Ventures AB, the holding company at Gothenburg University. The results have recently been published internationally in three scientific journals.

Read more:
L. Holmlid and S. Olafsson, “Spontaneous ejection of high-energy particles from ultra-dense deuterium D (0)”. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 40 (2015) 10559-10567.
DOI: 10.1016 / j.ijhydene.2015.06.116.
L. Holmlid and S. Olafsson, “Muon Detection studied by pulse-height energy analysis: novel converter arrangements”. Review of Scientific Instruments 86, 083306 (2015). DOI: 10.1063 / 1.4928109.
L. Holmlid, “Heat generation above breakeven from laser-induced fusion into ultra-dense deuterium”. AIP Advances 5, 087,129 (2015); doi: 10.1063 / 1.4928572.

Contact:
Leif Holmlid, Professor Emeritus
email: [email protected]
phone: 031-7869076.

BY: CARINA ELIASSON

UPDATE: Thanks to Jonas for the following links to articles and statements by Leif Holmid:

http://cmb.gu.se/om_institutionen/personal?userId=xholml#tabContentAnchor2

http://science.gu.se/aktuellt/nyheter/Nyheter+Detalj/Ultra-tatt_deuterium_kan_bli_framtidens_karnbransle.cid879280

http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=2805206