Fusioncapable

Fusioncapable is an adjective used in technical discussion to describe a device, material, or system that is capable of supporting or enabling nuclear fusion reactions. The term is not part of a formal standard and is used variably, typically as a descriptive shorthand rather than a regulatory designation.

In fusion energy research, a fusion-capable device refers to equipment designed to achieve and sustain the conditions required for deuterium-tritium fusion, such as high temperature plasmas and adequate confinement. Common approaches described as fusion-capable include magnetic confinement systems (tokamaks and stellarators) and inertial confinement systems (laser- or beam-driven capsules). The phrase emphasizes potential rather than guaranteed performance, since achieving net energy gain remains an ongoing scientific and engineering challenge.

In materials science, fusion-capable materials are those engineered to withstand intense neutron flux, high heat loads, and mechanical stresses within a fusion environment, while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with the reactor cycle.

In other contexts, the term can apply to fusogenic processes in biology or chemistry, where components exhibit the ability to fuse membranes or cellular structures. However, such usage is distinct from nuclear fusion and is typically specified with domain-appropriate qualifiers.

See also: nuclear fusion, fusion reactor, tokamak, stellarator, inertial confinement fusion, fusion materials.