How does the lithium deuteride in the thermonuclear bomb shown in Figure \({\rm{32}}{\rm{.33}}\) supply tritium (\({}^3H\)) as well as deuterium (\({}^2H\))?

A thermonuclear weapon, often known as a fusion weapon or hydrogen bomb (H bomb), is a type of nuclear weapon developed in the second generation.

In this study, we look at how lithium deuteride supplies tritium and deuterium in the thermonuclear bomb's reaction,

\({}^6Li{}^2H + n \to {}^4He + {}^3H\)

We can observe that this reaction occurs in the presence of neutrons, indicating that nuclear fission is the cause. Since tritium is being produced (the fission product). There is a chance of fusion reaction now that we have tritium and deuterium in a lithium combination, which might provide a massive quantity of free energy. As a result,

\({}_1^2H + {}_1^3H \to {}_2^4He + {}_0^1n + 17.59\,MeV\)

As shown, tritium is created from lithium deuteride and nuclear fission (which is initiated by the neutron). With surplus neutron and roughly\({\rm{17 MeV}}\)of free energy, residual deuterium from the lithium mixture combines with tritium and fuses to helium.

Helium is only an inert by-product in this reaction. It is the free energy of roughly\({\rm{17 MeV}}\)that poses a serious threat because\(\gamma \)rays and kinetic energy can be emitted.

Therefore, tritium is obtained from the lithium deuteride fission process, whereas deuterium is obtained from the lithium deuteride residual mixture.