Deuterium–Tritium (D–T) Fuel

D–T is where practical fusion starts: the highest reactivity at the lowest temperature. Kronos embraces its neutrons rather than apologising for them.

Reaction

D + T → &sup4;He + n

Energy

17.6 MeV

Neutron fraction

79.7%

Peak temperature

~15 keV

Deuterium and tritium fuse to helium-4 plus a 14.1 MeV neutron, releasing 17.6 MeV total. It has the highest reactivity of any candidate fuel and peaks at a comparatively low 15 keV, which is why the HYPERION breeder uses it.

About 79.7% of D–T energy leaves as neutrons. Kronos treats that as a feature: the neutrons breed tritium in the blanket (target breeding ratio 1.8) and co-produce helium-3, feeding the burner side of the architecture.