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Due
to increased energy demands in the United States, research into new forms
of energy production is becoming more important. Fusion ignition, the
combining of two light nuclei to form a new nucleus, as seen in the sun
and atomic bombs, is one possible source of energy. However this energy
has not yet been harnessed. Since research into such plasma fusion is
a relatively new scientific endeavor, diagnostics need to be constructed
to measure reaction products. Carbon activation has been chosen to measure
the yield of tertiary neutrons because these high-energy neutrons are
related to the efficiency of the fusion reaction. If there is an "energy
gain", where more energy is produced than what was used for the reaction
to occur, then it would be possible for the world to see an inexhaustible,
non-polluting energy source which could replace the diminishing supply
of fossil fuels.
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