Status and perspectives of the FUSION INFN project for the study and optimization of the $^{11}\text{B}(\text{p},\alpha)2\alpha$ nuclear fusion reaction for Inertial Confinement applications

The FUSION project (an acronym for FUsion StudIes of prOton boron Neutron-less reaction in laser-generated plasma) was launched in 2022 by researchers from INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare) and ENEA. This project marks the first scientific initiative funded by INFN in the field of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). The main objectives of FUSION are to develop a new generation of solid targets designed to enhance the $^{11}B(p,\alpha)2\alpha$ fusion reaction rate, being this reaction a potential candidate for future ICF schemes. FUSION will also focus on designing novel diagnostic techniques for measuring reaction products and, ultimately, estimating alpha and proton cross-sections in a plasma environment. The project will be carried out through two experimental campaigns at a laser facility equipped with a high-energy, long-pulse (picosecond) laser. In the proposed experimental setup, the $^{11}B(p,\alpha)2\alpha$ reaction will be triggered simultaneously ‘in target’ by the protons generated in the laser matter interaction and ¹¹B present in the same expanding plasma and in the ‘pitcher-catcher’ configuration. In FUSION, a set of measurements will also be dedicated to a first estimation of the proton and alpha-stopping power in a plasma. FUSION will enable a comprehensive understanding of the reactions and will help in optimize the conditions for future applications in inertial nuclear fusion with the $^{11}B(p,\alpha)2\alpha$ reaction.