deuterium-tritium pellet

nuclear reaction

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June 25, 2026

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In inertial confinement fusion (ICF), a small pellet containing deuterium and tritium is compressed to extreme temperatures and densities. This compression is achieved by focusing powerful laser or particle beams onto the pellet. The goal is to initiate a nuclear fusion reaction, where the nuclei of deuterium and tritium merge to form helium, releasing a significant amount of energy. This process must occur rapidly before the pellet disintegrates. The deuterium-tritium reaction is favored for power generation due to its efficiency and high energy yield.123

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fusion reactor
Magnetic confinement
However, in 1991 the first tritium-deuterium reaction was carried out. The “burn” lasted for two seconds and released a record amount of energy, approximately 20 times that released in deuterium-deuterium experiments.
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However, in 1991 the first tritium-deuterium reaction was carried out. The “burn” lasted for two seconds and released a record amount of energy, approximately 20 times that released in deuterium-deuterium experiments.
Read More