
Tritium breeding
Tritium breeding is a process used in nuclear fusion, where tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is produced from lithium in a fusion reactor. During fusion, hydrogen nuclei fuse to create energy, but tritium is consumed in the process. To ensure a continuous supply, the reactor incorporates lithium, which, when exposed to the high-energy neutrons generated in fusion, transforms into tritium. This self-sustaining aspect is crucial for making fusion energy feasible, as it helps maintain the necessary fuel cycle without relying solely on external tritium supplies. Overall, it’s a key feature for sustainable fusion energy production.