Method and device for initiating a fusion reaction through isomer potentiated nuclear decay

摘要

A method and device for initiating a fusion reaction through isomer potentiated nuclear decay, wherein a fissionable casing is initially provided. A high-energy density material is located in the casing, and a radiation source is provided for irradiating the high-energy density material to cause the high-energy density material to decay and produce a photonic gas. The photonic gas is directed onto a fusion tamper located in the casing, causing the fusion tamper to collapse. Finally, a fusion fuel located in the casing adjacent the fusion tamper is fused in response to heat and pressure produced by the collapsing of the fusion tamper, resulting in a release of thermonuclear energy. Preferably, the high-energy density material is a high-spin isomer having MeV excitation energies and a long lifetime and is selected from the group consisting of Ta-180, Os-178, Yt-186, Z-66n, Hf-174, Hf-175,Hf-176, Hf-177 and Hf-178.