The V4F project aims to demonstrate proof of principle for a novel technology that enables controlled interactions between high-energy laser light and specially synthesised targets. Central to the approach is the use of lasers with extreme orbital angular momentum in combination with borane clusters as fuel for aneutronic proton–boron fusion (p–¹¹B). The objective is to significantly improve the energy balance of this fusion reaction.

Aneutronic fusion produces no free neutrons. As a result, no radioactive waste is generated, and the released energy is carried exclusively by charged particles that can be converted directly into electrical energy. This makes aneutronic fusion a promising approach for safe and sustainable energy generation.

V4F develops new concepts and simulations for the inertial confinement of aneutronic fusion reactions using complex boron hydride targets. Studies on particle acceleration and structured light fields provide the basis for experiments on high-energy light–matter interactions. Expected outcomes include increased alpha-particle yields and a reduction of instabilities that occur in conventional fusion approaches.

Beyond energy research, the technology opens up new perspectives for compact particle accelerators. In particular, positron accelerators could be significantly reduced in size, with potential applications in medicine, industry, and fundamental research.