I thought this looked familiar.
I checked out the pdf file referenced at the NBF link above. Perhaps there's an advantage of using this as opposed to DPF as pursued by Erick Lerner. Lerner's device isn't being produced for space propulsion, so far as I know, but it looks like it could be easily adapted to that.
What's the advantage? A quick skim of the pdf finds this:
Alternative means of triggering the p-11B reaction may provide a lower overall propulsion plant size and mass.
Question: Can this be adapted for energy production, as opposed to using Lerner's technique?
Answer: Yes.
Energetic alpha particle “exhaust” momentum can be used directly to produce high ISP thrust and also offers the possibility of direct power conversion into electricity.
It may not matter if Lerner beats them to the punch.
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