Diagnostics & Measurement
Neutron Diagnostics
Counting fusion neutrons to measure the fusion power directly.
The rate of fusion neutrons is a direct measure of fusion power. Neutron detectors and cameras count and image them, giving an independent check on performance — especially meaningful on the neutron-rich breeder (70.7 MW of neutron power).
Common questions
What do neutron diagnostics measure?
The rate and energy of fusion neutrons, which directly indicate fusion power. In the neutron-rich breeder (70.7 MW) they are a primary performance measurement.
Are they useful on the burner too?
Yes — the burner's small neutron signal (5.44%) is a sensitive monitor of the D–D side reactions and thus of plasma conditions.