How can low-activation materials reduce the long-term radioactivity of fusion reactor components?

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3D illustration of the interior reaction chamber of a tokamak fusion reactor, showing a large, cylindrical, metallic structure with curved walls and bright light panels. — fusion reactor A tokamak is a device used in nuclear-fusion research for magnetic confinement of plasma.

In a fusion reactor, high-energy neutrons produced by the deuterium-tritium (D-T) reaction can be absorbed by surrounding reactor components, which often leads to the creation of radioactive by-products.1

Low-activation materials are specifically engineered to mitigate this long-term radioactivity. By utilizing materials such as special steels or ceramic composites (e.g., silicon carbide), the resulting radioactive by-products possess significantly shorter half-lives and lower toxicity compared to the waste generated by traditional nuclear reactors. This approach ensures that the structural components of the fusion reactor do not remain hazardous for extended periods, enhancing the overall safety and environmental profile of fusion energy.1