High-power laser drivers and fast neutron sources towards green energy applications
Abstract Accelerator-driven systems (ADSs) may offer a promising technology for energy production and transmutation of nuclear waste. Here we introduce the concept of utilizing high-intensity laser acceleration technology in realizing an ADS, with a focus on the use of thorium fuel in subcritical systems. We explore state-of-the-art laser-driven particle sources for neutron generation by nuclear fusion, spallation or photonuclear reactions and the prospect of reaching the flux of ${10}^{15}$ n/s required to drive a subcritical reactor. We review recent advances in high-power laser amplification and assess their technological readiness in view of integration in an ADS. Finally, we present a risk analysis of a laser-driven ADS in terms of laser and target development, radiation safety and operational stability. Our conclusion highlights the potential of laser-driven ADSs as a transformative approach to nuclear fission energy. With continued research and development, technological hurdles can be overcome to fully realize sustainable, green energy production that can meet global energy demands while addressing safety and environmental concerns.
Authors
- Itamar Cohen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4788-052X)
- V. Romanello (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7592-6444)
- Ishay Pomerantz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9824-887X)
- Jonathan Wheeler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2681-7903)
- S. Galès (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5388-7544)
- G. Mourou
- L. A. Gizzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-6492)
- K. Osvay (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3468-8312)
- A. Nečas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9054-7653)
- Federico Canova
Institutions
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
- École Polytechnique (FR)
- Tel Aviv University (IL)
- École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées (FR)
- University of Szeged (HU)
- Université Paris-Saclay (FR)
- Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines (CZ)
- National Institute of Optics (IT)
- Transport Research Centre (CZ)
- Research Centre Rez (CZ)
- Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis Irène Joliot-Curie (FR)
- Laboratoire d'Informatique de l'École Polytechnique (FR)
- Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (RO)
- TAE Technologies, Inc (United States) (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- High Power Laser Science and Engineering
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1017/hpl.2025.10038
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.88
Funders
- European Commission
- Nemzeti Kutatási Fejlesztési és Innovációs Hivatal