lämpöfusion

Lämpöfusion, also known as thermonuclear fusion, is a nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at very high speeds and fuse to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy. The conditions required for lämpöfusion are extremely high temperatures and pressures, comparable to those found in the core of stars, like our Sun. At these temperatures, matter exists as a plasma, a state where electrons are stripped from atoms.

The most common fusion reaction considered for energy production involves isotopes of hydrogen, namely deuterium and tritium. When a deuterium nucleus and a tritium nucleus fuse, they form a helium nucleus, a neutron, and a significant amount of energy. This energy is released in the form of kinetic energy of the products.

Lämpöfusion is the process that powers stars. Scientists are actively researching ways to replicate and control lämpöfusion on Earth for the purpose of generating clean and virtually limitless energy. Challenges in achieving controlled lämpöfusion include creating and sustaining the necessary extreme conditions, confining the plasma, and efficiently extracting the energy produced. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of lämpöfusion energy, such as its low greenhouse gas emissions and abundant fuel sources, make it a highly sought-after area of research.