Modern version of the uncited 1938 experiment that first observed DT fusion

Experiments are described, and results are provided, for the duplication of the first-ever triton-deuterium (colloquially referred to as DT) fusion experiment accidentally performed by A. J. Ruhlig in 1938, but forgotten in the published scientific literature. We find that Ruhlig overestimated the ratio of the triton-deuterium over deuteron-deuterium neutron yields in his secondary reaction (reaction-in-flight) experiment compared to modern theoretical calculations and our duplication of his experiment using modern neutron detection methods. Nevertheless, Ruhlig's observation provided the motivation for the application of DT fusion after World War II and its more recent importance in peaceful energy production at DT fusion facilities around the world. Additionally, the experimental technique used in the present work provides a novel approach for checking on low-energy triton stopping powers in deuterium containing compounds.

Duke Scholars

Author Sean Finch  

Author Werner Tornow Physics