Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids (MARRS)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in exploring and implementing mechanisms that amplify and increase the rates of nuclear fusion reactions in solids at and near room temperature. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research primarily resulting in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

With fusion in solids at low temperatures now reliably demonstrated (at very low rates), and with

new theories elucidating numerous potential mechanisms for scaling fusion rates, MARRS will

assess fundamental mechanisms that underpin solid state fusion reactions to determine the best

way to predictively and reproducibly amplify fusion rates. The program emphasizes advancing

our fundamental understanding with predictive models and experimental demonstrations of

significant fusion rate increases on the path to rates required for future applications. This goal

includes, if possible, the determination or prediction of fundamental physical limits of rate

amplification.

MARRS performers will analyze and optimize factors for fusion rate amplification including, but

not limited to, materials, fuel loading techniques, and methods for the efficient excitation of

fusion reactions (triggers). Performers must implement State-of-the-Art (SOA) particle detection

technologies and data acquisition systems to accurately and reliably detect fusion reaction

products such as protons, neutrons, and gammas. Detection of heat (calorimetry) and other

signatures of nuclear processes can complement particle detection; calorimetry alone is not

sufficient.