Barrier transparency refers to the probability that two nuclei can overcome the Coulomb barrier, which is the electrostatic repulsion between protons, to achieve fusion. Quantum tunneling plays a crucial role in this process, allowing nuclei with insufficient kinetic energy to bypass the barrier and fuse. This phenomenon is essential for nuclear fusion, as it enables fusion to occur even when the nuclei do not have enough energy to overcome the barrier classically. The Gamow factor is often used to approximate barrier transparency in fusion reactions. Understanding these concepts is vital for advancing fusion energy research.
