Fusion Physics
Fusion Physics glossary term

Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle

Serves as the primary advanced fuel candidate for high-efficiency direct-conversion and space fusion engines.

Fusion Physics Also: Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle, deuterium-helium-3-d-he-fuel-cycle, D-He3, D-3He Fusion, Deuterium-Helium-3 Has Dossier → 0 sources

01 Definition

An advanced fusion reaction combining deuterium and helium-3 to produce an alpha particle and a proton, releasing energy primarily as charged particles.

02 Detailed_Analysis

The D-3He fusion fuel cycle (D + 3He -> 4He + p + 18.3 MeV) is a preferred candidate for advanced fusion concepts and space propulsion. Because both primary reaction products are charged ions, energy can be extracted via direct electromagnetic conversion or magnetic nozzle expansion. Side D-D reactions generate a modest neutron flux (<5% of total power under optimized conditions), vastly reducing shielding mass compared to D-T systems.

03 Key_Facts

  • ▸ Releases 18.35 MeV of energy predominantly in charged particles
  • ▸ Requires higher ignition temperatures (~50-100 keV) than D-T
  • ▸ Secondary D-D reactions generate minimal stray neutron flux

04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence

Overview

Intelligence asset in the Fuel Cycles (Space Application).

Entity Type: Concept — Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Preferred is a technical concept or theoretical framework.

06 Related_Terms (3)

Advanced Fusion Fuel Cycles for Space Propulsion Direct Energy Conversion Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)

07 Related_Entities (5)

Dr. John F. Santarius
person Gray Track (Propulsion)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
organisation R&D Foundation
University of Wisconsin-Madison
organisation R&D Foundation
Helion Energy
Organisation Organizations
Texatron™ Fusion Platform
technology Experiments

08 Timeline_Mentions (8)

1975

Foundational FRC Research at LANL

Los Alamos National Laboratory establishes the scientific bedrock for Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) physics through the FRX experiment series.

fusion-physics
1975

Exploratory FRC Experiments Initiated at LASL

Formal Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) research begins at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, led by R. K. Linford and W. T. Armstrong.

fusion-physics
1975

Foundational FRC and MTF Research at LANL

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) pioneers research into Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) and Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), establishing the scientific pedigree for future compact fusion progr

fusion-physics
1978-1988

The Foundational Science

Physicists at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) conducted the pioneering FRX-A, B, and C experiments. Led by a core team including W.T. Armstrong, R.K. Linford, and M. Tuszewski, this research est
1990

NASA Space Transportation Propulsion Technology Symposium

Norman Schulze, George Miley, and John Santarius present the Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) as a new approach for space propulsion.

fusion-physics
2013

McGuire files first CFR patent applications

Multiple provisional patents filed. McGuire is sole inventor on all CFR confinement patents.

evidence-archive
2013

PRC Yingguang-I FRC Design

The People's Republic of China designs the Yingguang-I device, indicating active research into Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion physics.

fusion-physics
2025

TAE achieves first-ever NBI-only FRC formation

Norm device eliminates theta-pinch. Published in Nature Communications. Targeting aneutronic p-B11 fusion.

fusion-research
View Full Timeline →

09 FAQ

What is Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle? ▾
An advanced fusion reaction combining deuterium and helium-3 to produce an alpha particle and a proton, releasing energy primarily as charged particles.
Why does Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle matter? ▾
Serves as the primary advanced fuel candidate for high-efficiency direct-conversion and space fusion engines.
How does Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle relate to other concepts? ▾
Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle is closely related to Advanced Fusion Fuel Cycles for Space Propulsion, Direct Energy Conversion, Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). These relationships are documented in the research glossary and cross-referenced with primary source documents.
When did Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle appear in the research timeline? ▾
Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle is referenced in 8 timeline events, including "Foundational FRC Research at LANL" (1975). The timeline provides chronological context for the development and application of this concept.
Which entities are associated with Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle? ▾
5 entities are associated with Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle in the network graph, including Dr. John F. Santarius, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Explore the network graph for full relationship mapping.
Is there a detailed dossier for Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle? ▾
Yes, Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle has a comprehensive intelligence dossier with deep dive analysis, source documents, and network connections. View the full dossier for complete intelligence assessment.

Quick_Facts

Category
Fusion Physics
Aliases
Deuterium-Helium-3 (D-³He) Fuel Cycle, deuterium-helium-3-d-he-fuel-cycle, D-He3, D-3He Fusion, Deuterium-Helium-3
Sources
0
Related Terms
3
Graph Entities
5
Timeline Events
8

Intelligence_Dossier

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