Exploring Nucleosynthesis Models through Inertial Confinement Fusion

Understanding the origin and evolution of the elements remains one of the key challenges in astro- physics. While traditional nucleosynthesis studies rely on accelerator-based experiments conducted in underground laboratories, these setups are limited in their ability to replicate the plasma conditions found in astrophysical environments. This thesis explores how High Energy Density (HED) plasmas, generated via Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), offer a complementary approach by providing more realistic conditions for studying nuclear reactions relevant to Big Bang and Stellar Nucleosynthesis. Particular attention is devoted to the proton-boron fusion reaction, which plays a dual role in astrophysical light element destruction and in fusion energy research. The work presents a review of HED plasma experiments performed at the Omega laser facility and the National Ignition Facility, including an attempt to measure alpha particles from proton-boron fusion—an effort that yielded no direct detection yet. Diagnostic limitations are analysed, and im- provements are proposed to enable future measurements. To this end, the thesis incorporates an experimental component involving the analysis of CR-39 and Radiochromic Film (RCF) detectors, based on data collected during a campaign conducted in February 2025 at the PHELIX facility at GSI (Darmstadt). This experiment focuses on the laser-driven generation of energetic protons and their application to proton-boron fusion. Although this experiment is not directly within astrophys- ical regimes, the analysis of CR-39 and RCFs, commonly used in HED plasma diagnostics, provides essential insight into detector response and performance, supporting the design of future platforms for laboratory astrophysics. This work thus bridges theoretical nucleosynthesis modelling with practical diagnostic development, contributing to the broader goal of experimentally probing nuclear reactions under astrophysically relevant conditions.