TermoNükleer

TermoNükleer is the Turkish term for thermonuclear processes, referring to energy-producing fusion as well as thermonuclear weapons. It denotes reactions that release energy by fusing light nuclei at extreme temperatures and pressures.

Principles: Fusion requires temperatures of tens of millions of kelvin and sufficient confinement to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei. The Lawson criterion describes the needed product of plasma density, confinement time, and temperature for net energy gain. The most studied reaction is deuterium-tritium fusion, which releases substantial energy and neutrons.

Technologies: Magnetic confinement fusion uses strong magnetic fields in devices such as tokamaks and stellarators to keep hot plasma stable. Inertial confinement fusion employs intense lasers or particle beams to compress small fuel pellets rapidly. Each approach aims to achieve sustained energy output with practical, repeatable operation and acceptable material integrity.

Applications and weapons: In energy research, thermoNükleer aims to provide a nearly limitless, low-carbon power source with reduced long-term radioactive waste compared with fission. In weapons, thermonuclear devices use staged fusion to achieve very large yields, which drives proliferation concerns, stringent controls, and international non-proliferation efforts.

History and status: The concept emerged in the mid-20th century, leading to the first thermonuclear test in 1952. Major facilities such as ITER for fusion energy, and laboratories like NIF and JET for research, illustrate ongoing progress toward practical fusion, though commercial fusion remains in development. Fuel cycles involve deuterium from seawater and lithium breeding to produce tritium.

Safety and policy: Fusion energy promises environmental benefits but presents challenges including neutron activation of materials, fuel handling, and regulatory oversight. International governance emphasizes safety, environmental impact, and non-proliferation.