Nuclear fusion is a widely discussed topic, spanning from interactions between light nuclei such as deuterium-tritium (D-T) and p11B to the synthesis of super-heavy elements. With the advent of high-powered lasers such as the X-ray free-electron laser, we are approaching laser energies capable of direct nuclear excitation. Nu clear fusion with the assistance of a high-powered laser field is therefore an ex citing subject for investigation. Moreover, producing adequate models for subse quent experimental observation is of great interest. Currently, laser-assisted fu sion models for both light nuclei and heavy-ion interactions have been considered from a time-independent (TISE) and semi-classical approach. However, these ap proaches have been found to be limited. The semi-classical model implements the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation to calculate tunnelling probabil ities. This process has been shown to be limited in the extreme sub-barrier energy region. Similarly, the Kramers-Henneberger (KH) approach requires a limited set of laser parameters, leading to fusion enhancements in the sub-barrier region at the extremes of the method’s capability.

The goal of this theoretical work is to expand upon the established laser-assisted nuclear fusion models, introducing a fully quantum dynamical approach to solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). As a foundation for this model, we initially consider a field-free 16O + 144Sm fusion interaction, allowing for a simple single-channel model to be expanded upon to include the intrinsic nuclear excita tions of varying Sm isotopes. We then consider a D-T fusion interaction with the assistance of a laser field, finding significant fusion enhancements between 7-70% at deep sub-barrier energies.

Finally, we consider a central heavy-ion coupled-channel 16O + 238U fusion inter action with the assistance of a laser field for varying laser parameters and pulse duration. Once again, we find substantial sub-barrier fusion enhancements between 7-70% with an additional peak of fusion enhancement near the Coulomb barrier energy.