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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

dual species, calcium, ytterbium magneto optical trap, MOTs

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

One area of particular interest in modern physics research is creating a viable fusion system for sustainable energy. Fusion occurs when a high energy plasma is manipulated in such a way that small atoms collide together, combining to create larger atoms and releasing tremendous amounts of harvestable energy. However, there are many theoretical, mathematical, and practical roadblocks to creating a stable fusion experiment. One practical limitation and one mathematical limitation are as follows: practically, much of the energy used to create a fusion-grade plasma ends up in the kinetic energy of the electrons and is lost to the experiment; mathematically, the equations used to describe collisions between two atoms breaks down when the atoms collide at small or large angles. These two questions can help shed light on the difficult fusion question.

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