Aneutronic fusion

<p>Aneutronic fusion is any form of <a href="/facts/Fusion_power/jyETSzm4">fusion power</a> in which very little of the <a href="/facts/Energy/wd8PrQM7">energy</a> released is carried by <a href="/facts/Neutron/oRCM1geb">neutrons</a>. While the lowest-threshold <a href="/facts/Nuclear_fusion/hP0gLDqj">nuclear fusion reactions</a> release up to 80% of their energy in the form of <a href="/facts/Neutrons/oRCM1geb">neutrons</a>, aneutronic reactions release energy in the form of <a href="/facts/Charged_particle/2zqBJGse">charged particles</a>, typically <a href="/facts/Protons/clCjepXP">protons</a> or <a href="/facts/Alpha_particles/dzNMs9WP">alpha particles</a>. Successful aneutronic fusion would greatly reduce problems associated with <a href="/facts/Neutron_radiation/LVJhCcwL">neutron radiation</a> such as damaging <a href="/facts/Ionizing_radiation/vw0d9GaT">ionizing radiation</a>, <a href="/facts/Neutron_activation/FXwq3HUs">neutron activation</a>, reactor maintenance, and requirements for biological shielding, remote handling and safety.
</p><p>Since it is simpler to convert the energy of charged particles into electrical power than it is to convert energy from uncharged particles, an aneutronic reaction would be attractive for power systems. Some proponents see a potential for dramatic cost reductions by converting energy directly to electricity, as well as in eliminating the radiation from neutrons, which are difficult to shield against. However, the conditions required to harness aneutronic fusion are much more extreme than those required for <a href="/facts/Deuterium%25E2%2580%2593tritium_fusion/SDEJ3Nw0">deuterium–tritium (D–T) fusion</a> such as at <a href="/facts/ITER/SkpWL87b">ITER</a>.
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Aneutronic fusion open-in-new

Aneutronic fusion