Submicron fusion devices, methods and systems

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for creating, controlling, conducting, and optimizing fusion activities of nuclei. In particular, the present inventions relate to, 5 among other things, fusion activities that are conducted individually or collectively on a very small scale, preferably on the nano-scale or smaller such as pico to femto scales, for the utilization of energy produced from these activities in smaller devices and for aggregation into larger devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for enhancing electron screening comprising:
 applying a source of electromagnetic (EM) radiation to an electrically conductive base structure, the base structure including light element atoms and free electrons, the EM radiation having an excitation frequency, wherein the base structure is configured such that:   in response to the EM radiation, the free electrons oscillate between at least two localized regions of the base structure; and   the oscillation generates periodic charge density variations around a portion of the light element atoms that are disposed in the at least two localized regions.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the source of EM radiation is configured to generate EM radiation having a wavelength of from about 10 microns to about 0.1 micron. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein electron screening substantially offsets or reduces the effect of the Coulomb barrier between nuclei of the light element atoms. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the oscillating free electrons create an electric field greater than about 108 volts/meter at a location proximate to the two localized regions and provides localized compression by ponderomotive forces that induces a fusion reaction between nuclei of at least a portion of the light element atoms.