Deuterium–tritium fusion
Deuterium–tritium fusion is a type of nuclear fusion. In deuterium–tritium fusion, one deuterium nucleus, or the center of a deuterium atom, fuses with one tritium nucleus. This makes one helium nucleus, one neutron, and 17.6 mega electronvolts of energy.[1]
How to get deuterium and tritium
Deuterium is easy to find in seawater. 1 in 5000 hydrogen atoms are deuterium.[2] However, tritium is a radioactive isotope. If lithium is exposed to neutrons with much energy, tritium is produced.[1][2] The deuterium–tritium reaction also produces one neutron. In fusion reactors, a 'breeding blanket' is used where the walls of the fusion reactor have lithium on them.[3] This way, the neutrons produced from fusion will hit the lithium and produce more tritium.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Nuclear Fusion". Hyperphysics. Georgia State University. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lanctot, Matthew. "DOE Explains...deuterium–tritium Fusion Reactor Fuel". Department of Energy. Retrieved April 12, 2021.[dead link]
- ↑ "Fueling the Fusion Reaction". ITER. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
