Team brings quantum computing into FLiBe chemistry calculations

July 14, 2026, 3:12PMNuclear News
In a future tokamak, neutrons released from the plasma during fusion could bombard the surrounding molten salt blanket to create tritium. (Image: IBM)

Researchers have reported using a combination of quantum and classical computing to calculate chemistry connected to tritium speciation in a FLiBe—lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride—molten salt blanket, demonstrating a promising direction for unlocking tritium breeding in fusion machines.