Physics of Fusion Fuel Cycles

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Abstract
The evaluation of nuclear fusion fuels for a magnetic fusion economy must take into account the various technological impacts of the various fusion fuel cycles as well as the relative reactivity and the required betas, temperatures, and confinement times necessary for economic steady-state burns. The physics of the various fuel cycles [deuterium-tritium, catalyzed deuterium-deuterium (D-D), D-3He, D-6Li, and the exotic fuels: 3He-3He and the proton-based fuels ρ-6Li, ρ-9Be, and ρ-11B] is reviewed. Topics considered include fuel costs and required puritytritium inventory, burnup, and recycleignition criterianeutronscondensable fuels and ashesradiation lossesdirect electrical recovery prospectsfissile breeding prospects.The advantages and disadvantages of each fuel are also treated. The optimum fuel cycle from an overall standpoint of viability and potential technological considerations appears to be catalyzed D-D, which could also support smaller, relatively “clean,” lean deuterium-rich 3He satelli...