Abstract: In processes utilizing a source of laser energy for achieving a thermonuclear fusion reaction, it is necessary to have fusion fuel prepared in a configuration with minute dimensions and the present invention contemplates preparing this fuel by introducing into hollow microspheres (typically comprised of glass) of predetermined size, in the range of 250 to 2,000 micrometers, a gaseous thermonuclear fuel. One way of accomplishing this is to cause diffusion of gaseous thermonuclear fuel through the walls of the microsphere under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure so that it may be achieved in a reasonable time, after which the fuel can be frozen out on the walls of the microsphere to provide a fusion fuel in a hollow spherical shape. Suitable coatings of additional materials may be applied to the fueled microsphere by appropriate coating methods to complete complex thermonuclear fuel pellet configurations.

Abstract: A multi-step chemical and radiolytic process for the production of gas such as hydrogen and oxygen. A highly radiosensitive gas such as carbon dioxide is injected directly into the reaction chamber of a fusion reactor and is molecularly dissociated to form carbon monoxide and pure oxygen when the fusion fuel is burned. The carbon monoxide is then mixed with steam at an elevated temperature to form carbon dioxide and pure hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is recycled and injected into the central reaction chamber to complete a closed-loop process for production of pure hydrogen and oxygen at the expense of water.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen-based gaseous fuel which comprises causing a fusion reaction of fusion fuel and utilizing the energy from said reaction to achieve direct dissociation of water to hydrogen and oxygen, to heat carbon containing compounds to produce carbon, and to heat carbonaceous materials to produce a carbon containing gas and thereafter combining the hydrogen and the carbon or carbon containing gas to produce a hydrogen-based gaseous fuel such as methane. The process includes utilizing thermo-chemical decomposition of water and also decomposition of water by radiolysis. The water in the system is subjected to heat in a thermo-chemical reaction and also to heat derived from heat transfer mediums to volumetric heating by radiation and to radiilytic conversion energy. An apparatus is provided to accomplish these multiple functions in conjunction with the fusion reaction.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen to an apparatus which utilizes hydrogen contains a metal hydride hydrogen supply component and a microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component which in tandem supply hydrogen for the apparatus. The metal hydride hydrogen supply component includes a first storage tank filled with a composition which is capable of forming a metal hydride of such a nature that the hydride will release hydrogen when heated but will absorb hydrogen when cooled. This first storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger for both adding heat to and extracting heat from the composition to regulate the absorption/deabsorption of hydrogen from the composition. The microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component includes a second tank containing the microcavity hydrogen supply. The microcavity hydrogen storage contains hydrogen held under high pressure within individual microcavities. The hydrogen is released from the microcavities by heating the cavities.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen to an apparatus which utilizes hydrogen, contains a metal hydride hydrogen supply component and a microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component which in tandem supply hydrogen for the apparatus. The metal hydride hydrogen supply component includes a first storage tank filled with a composition which is capable of forming a metal hydride of such a nature that the hydride will release hydrogen when heated but will absorb hydrogen when cooled. This first storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger for both adding heat to and extracting heat from the composition to regulate the absorption/deabsorption of hydrogen from the composition. The microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component includes a second tank containing the microcavity hydrogen supply. The microcavity hydrogen storage contains hydrogen held under high pressure within individual microcavities. The hydrogen is released from the microcavities by heating the cavities.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a new improved radiolytic-chemical method for gas production by inclusion of oxide of nitrogen in the processing system to inhibit recombination of radiolytic products and to scavenge oxygen from the process stream. The present multi-step chemical and radiation method provides gases which may be used directly as fuel or as a base in production of hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Heat and neutron energy preferably obtained by a fusion reaction is used to derive CO from CO.sub.2 and to process it with water for obtaining H.sub.2. Thus, a two-step chemical process uses both heat and radiation energy, and segregates chemical action in separate stages where it is easier to process and separate the output products. Neutron radiation from a fusion reaction is separated in a central chamber through which the radiation passes, thereby isolating the process from nuclear fuel fragments.

Abstract: A source of neutrons is provided such as by a fusion reaction, and the neutrons are passed through a series of successive chambers in each of which a radiolytic chemical reaction takes place from bombardment of a sensitive chemical compound by said neutrons. The resulting products are further processed in a chemical reaction with a further compound such as water to release a desired end product such as hydrogen. The chemical reactions in the separate chambers may be selected to operate at different pressures or other physical conditions, and when pressure differences between the chambers are large stay structure is introduced to permit thinner walls more transparent to transmission of the neutrons from one chamber to the next.

Abstract: Water is decomposed into its components (hydrogen and oxygen) by direct radiation from a nuclear reactor. The addition of soluble boron compounds or boron-containing particles to a mist, vapor, steam or spray of water converts the neutrons derived from nuclear fusion reactions into highly ionizing radiation; thus increasing the effectiveness of decomposition and hydrogen gas yield.