Quantum Computers Identify Nuclear Fusion Fuel in Major First

[Marlin]

Quantum Computers Identify Nuclear Fusion Fuel in Major First

https://www.sciencealert.com/quantum-computers-identify-nuclear-fusion-fuel-chemistry-in-major-first

[Core Content]

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and IBM used quantum-centric supercomputing to identify nine molecular configurations of FLiBe, a molten salt used for tritium breeding. This simulation process aims to accelerate the discovery of materials capable of producing sufficient fuel for future fusion reactors by modeling atomic behavior and bonding.

Tritium remains a primary obstacle for fusion energy due to its scarcity and radioactive nature. By utilizing advanced computational workflows to screen potential breeding materials, scientists can reduce the time and cost associated with physical laboratory testing. This approach provides a pathway to optimize the breeding blankets required to sustain commercial fusion operations.

A major barrier to harnessing energy via nuclear fusion is the fuel source.

Most proposed fusion reactors (the donut-shaped tokamak reactors) are powered by the fusion of tritium and deuterium.

Both are isotopes of hydrogen, but tritium is radioactive, and deuterium is stable.

The fusion reaction between these two isotopes produces one helium nucleus, a loose neutron, and 17.6 megaelectronvolts. As far as fusion goes, this particular combination has a very high reaction rate, and a very high energy yield.

Read the full article at ScienceAlert:
https://www.sciencealert.com/quantum-computers-identify-nuclear-fusion-fuel-chemistry-in-major-first