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The DTF reaction. Deuterium–tritium fusion (DTF) is a type of nuclear fusion in which one deuterium (2 H) nucleus (deuteron) fuses with one tritium (3 H) nucleus (triton), giving one helium-4 nucleus, one free neutron, and 17.6 MeV of total energy coming from both the neutron and helium.
Consequently, the deuterium-tritium fuel cycle requires the breeding of tritium from lithium using one of the following reactions: 1 0 n + 6 3 Li → 3 1 T + 4 2 He 1 0 n + 7 3 Li → 3 1 T + 4 2 He + 1 0 n. The reactant neutron is supplied by the D-T fusion reaction shown above, and the one that has the greatest energy yield.
Using deuterium–tritium fuel, the resulting energy barrier is about 0.1 MeV. In comparison, the energy needed to remove an electron from hydrogen is 13.6 eV. The (intermediate) result of the fusion is an unstable 5 He nucleus, which immediately ejects a neutron with 14.1 MeV.
Tritium (from Ancient Greek τρίτος (trítos) 'third') or hydrogen-3 (symbol T or 3 H) is a rare and radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a half-life of ~12.3 years. The tritium nucleus (t, sometimes called a triton) contains one proton and two neutrons, whereas the nucleus of the common isotope hydrogen-1 (protium) contains one proton and no neutrons, and that of non-radioactive hydrogen ...
There are three main components to the hybrid fusion fuel cycle: deuterium, tritium, and fissionable elements. [27] Deuterium can be derived by the separation of hydrogen isotopes in seawater (see Heavy water production). Tritium may be generated in the hybrid process itself by absorption of neutrons in lithium bearing compounds.
Inside this is the fusion fuel, usually a form of lithium deuteride, which is used because it is easier to weaponize than liquefied tritium/deuterium gas. This dry fuel, when bombarded by neutrons, produces tritium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen that can undergo nuclear fusion, along with the deuterium present in the mixture.
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a fusion energy process that initiates nuclear fusion reactions by compressing and heating targets filled with fuel. The targets are small pellets, typically containing deuterium (2 H) and tritium (3 H). Energy is deposited in the target's outer layer, which explodes outward.
That is because some of the energy being given off by the fusion reactions of the most common fusion fuel, a 50-50 mix of deuterium and tritium, is in the form of alpha particles. These can collide with the fuel nuclei in the plasma and heat it, reducing the amount of external heat needed.