Dr. Jirohta Kasagi: Nuclear Physics and the Quest for Clean Energy

The quest for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to numerous scientific explorations, one of which is the work of Dr. Kasagi, a prominent figure in the field of nuclear physics. In an enlightening interview, Dr. Kasagi shared the details of his scientific journey, offering insights into his research and the broader implications for clean energy.

Dr. Kasagi’s interest in science sparked during his junior high school days in Japan. He recalled, “The research rocket in Japan had just started... I was very interested in that kind of science and technology.” This early fascination with rocketry and science laid the groundwork for his future career in physics, leading him to major in physics at Tohoku University in 1965 where he delved into the then-restored field of experimental nuclear physics in Japan.

After entering Tohoku University in 1965, Dr. Kasagi was drawn to nuclear physics. He explained, “Nuclear physics in Japan was not so advanced... but there was a small accelerator at Tohoku University... I saw that machine and thought, ‘Oh, I want to do something here.’”

The post-World War II era posed significant challenges for Japanese scientists, especially in experimental nuclear research, due to the forced destruction of cyclotrons and the ban on nuclear research. Although Dr. Kasagi is from a slightly later generation, the ground of starting from a scratch shaped hisperseverance and innovative spirit. His work at the university's small accelerator opened his eyes to the immense possibilities in nuclear physics, and he found himself drawn to nuclear reaction studies, a path that would define much of his career.

The Fleischmann-Pons announcement in 1989 regarding low-energy nuclear reactions (LENRs) significantly influenced his research direction. Dr. Kasagi described this period as crucial, saying, “It was very important for me... We nuclear physicists did experiment so much, but nobody knows what kind of reaction does occur inside metal at very low energies. Is there any influence of metal surroundings on the reaction?”

His experiments in the early '90s led to surprising findings. “When I was bombarding a 100 keV D+ beam on Ti foil, we saw some very funny spectra, like proton emissions from the D-D-Dreaction,” he recalled. These observations challenged the established understanding of nuclear reactions in metals and propelled him further into the field.

Dr. Kasagi’s research evolved over time, focusing on various materials and environments, including palladium oxide and liquid metals, to study electron screening effects. He explained that “the screening effect is that if you have two positive charges, electrons inside the metal, the positive charge attracts negative charge electrons around a positive charge.”

A significant aspect of Dr. Kasagi's work has been his collaboration with organizations like Clean Planet. This partnership highlights the importance of bringing together diverse expertise to advance clean energy research. Working with Clean Planet, Dr. Kasagi has contributed his extensive knowledge in nuclear physics to innovative projects aimed at developing practical and sustainable energy solutions. His involvement with such collaborations underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex global challenges like clean energy.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kasagi remained committed to understanding the principles underlying LENRs and their potential for clean energy. He emphasized the importance of ongoing research and experimentation, stating, “We always have had some kind of new findings and also new ideas.”

Reflecting on the future of his field, Dr. Kasagi highlighted the need for more experimental data and open-minded exploration. He remarked, “A scientist should be more free to think... If something is there, then there might be a way, but if there’s not anything, then of course, there are not.”

Dr. Kasagi's career is a narrative of dedication, innovation, and a deep curiosity about the world of nuclear reactions and clean energy. His work underscores the continuous quest for understanding and the potential for scientific discoveries to transform our approach to energy challenges. As the search for sustainable energy solutions continues, Dr. Kasagi’scontributions and insights offer valuable guidance and inspiration for future research in this vital field.