Proton–deuteron fusion reaction has been studied using a proton beam with an energy of 260 keV and a deuterium-implanted graphite target. The reaction product, 3He, usually de-excites by γ-ray emission. However, instead of a γ ray, 3He can emit an electron with a discrete energy of 5.6 MeV, due to electron screening in graphite. Such electrons were identified with the ΔE–E technique. The emission of fast electrons shows that electron screening causes the electrons to approach the nuclei during the reaction very closely. Different behavior of nuclear reactions at low and high energies was also demonstrated

A thorough understanding of nuclear reaction rates at low energies is essential for improving our understanding of energy generation in stars and primordial and stellar nucleosynthesis. At low energies, fusion reactions between charged particles are strongly suppressed by the presence of the Coulomb barrier, which classically inhibits the penetration of one nucleus into another. The barrier penetration causes the cross section to have a steep energy dependence at low energies, making cross section measurements very challenging. Furthermore, little is known about the impact of surrounding electrons in stellar plasmas that are currently beyond the reach of experiments. As a result, measuring the bare cross sections as accurately as possible is essential. Reaction rate measurements at very low energies have been made possible in recent years by the development of high-current low-energy accelerators as well as enhanced target and detection methods. Nevertheless, the presence of atomic electrons, which alter the Coulomb barrier by screening the nuclear charge and increase the cross section at low energies compared to the case of bare nuclei, complicates these observations. A review of the experimental and corresponding theoretical work on laboratory electron screening performed so far will be presented.

Advances in accelerator technology have enabled the use of exotic and intense radioactive ion beams. Enhancements to tracking detectors are necessary to accommodate increased particle rates. Recent advancements in digital electronics have led to the construction or planning of next-generation detectors. To conduct kinematically complete measurements, it is essential to track and detect all particles produced as a result of the reaction. Furthermore, the need for high-precision physics experiments has led to significant developments in the detector field. In recent years, highly efficient and highly granular tracking detectors have been developed. These detectors significantly enhance the physics programme at dedicated facilities. An overview of charged-particle tracking detectors in low-energy nuclear physics will be given.