Activation analysis of a compact Tokamak using Deuterium–Helium3 fuel

Recent advancements in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets have enabled tokamaks to reduce dimensions and operate with higher plasma parameters. This opens to the possibility of using advanced fuel mixtures such as Deuterium-3Helium (DHe3). Compared to traditional fuels, DHe3 offers the potential to reduce neutron-induced activation and minimize the presence of tritium in the fuel cycle. In a fusion reactor that uses a 50% Deuterium-50% 3Helium mixture, neutrons are produced solely in the Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) and Deuterium-Tritium (DT) side reactions, while Tritium can be produced during DD reactions and is therefore absent at the startup of the machine. This study proposes a comprehensive neutronic and activation analysis of a compact, high-field tokamak employing DHe3 fuel. Using OpenMC, an open-source Monte Carlo code, the feasibility and performance of this fuel mixture within the confines of a compact fusion reactor will be investigated. The activation analysis will be limited to the First Wall, Blanket and inboard Toroidal Field coils, with some simplifications in the tokamak layout. By analyzing neutron interactions and activation processes, as well as design modifications, we seek to assess the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing DHe3 as fuel.