Feasibility of breeding U-233 using (D+D) 'EXYDER' fusion neutron source

The Indian Nuclear Power Programme plans for Th-233 to be converted into U-233 in LMFBRs for use in Th/U-233 reactors. The authors examine a near-term solution of using an alternate fusion system as the neutron source: a newly invented self-colliding beam device known as EXYDER (strong focusing migma), operating at Q < 5 and consuming net electrical energy; since it can store MeV ions, the D-D reaction will be used, circumventing tritium problems. A simulation with deuterons of 1.5 MeV, 1.6 A (beam power 2.4 MW), and stored ion density of 5 x 1014 cm-3 shows an n production rate of 1.1 x 1019 s-1 (in 4π) and energy cost of neutron production of 5 MeV per n. The net U-233 production rate from one 10 m3 EXYDER is estimated to be 100 g/day of U-233 (35 kg/year)