Introduction of a nuclear fusion reactor

Abstract

Most of energy resources on the earth are originated from energy given by the sun in which all energy is produced by nuclear fusion reactions. To build a small sun or to realize controlled fusion as an energy source on the earth has been a dream of human being. Owing to extensive research and development, the fusion reaction of Deuterium (D) and Tritium (T) soon comes in burning phase. Nevertheless, to realize a D–T fusion reactor as an energy source, lots of engineering issues still remain to be solved. Among all, T-relating issues are quite important, because T is hazardous due to its radioactivity and its resources are quite limited. In this chapter, after the introduction of nuclear fusion reactions, issues relating T to establish the D–T reactor as an energy source are summarized.