Effect of liquid-metal protection schemes in inertial confinement fusion reactors

The placement of liquid metals (lithium, lead, and a Pb--Li eutectic Pb4Li) between the first wall and the source of neutrons has been considered as a mechanism for extending first wall lifetimes in inertial confinement fusion reactors. This scheme is called the Internal Spectral Shifter and Energy Converter (ISSEC). All three liquid metals have been shown to reduce the radiation damage in the Type 316 stainless-steel structural first wall and thus increase the first wall lifetime. An overall conclusion of the study is that the Pb--Li eutectic ISSEC has better characteristics than both pure lead and lithium ISSECs, and for best results it should be used at thicknesses ranging from 45 to 65 cm