The fusion of atoms does not create new atoms. Fusion is a process where two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy. However, the resulting nucleus will still have the same number of protons and neutrons as the original nuclei.
The fusion process occurs naturally in stars, where the immense temperatures and pressures allow hydrogen atoms to fuse and form helium. This fusion reaction powers stars and is responsible for the production of heavier elements through successive fusion reactions in stellar nucleosynthesis.
Creating new atoms with different atomic numbers requires a different process called nuclear transmutation. This involves changing the number of protons in an atomic nucleus, which can be achieved through nuclear reactions such as particle bombardment or radioactive decay. Scientists have been able to create new elements by bombarding target atoms with high-energy particles in particle accelerators, but these processes are highly complex and require specialized equipment.