Yes, it is possible to create deuterium and tritium by neutron bombardment of protium (ordinary hydrogen-1). Neutron capture reactions can lead to the formation of deuterium (hydrogen-2) and tritium (hydrogen-3), which are isotopes of hydrogen.
When a protium nucleus (a single proton) interacts with a neutron, there are two possible outcomes:
Neutron capture by protium: The neutron is absorbed by the protium nucleus, resulting in the formation of deuterium. The reaction can be represented as follows:
H-1 + n → H-2 (deuterium) + γ (gamma ray)
This reaction is an example of a nuclear capture reaction, where the neutron becomes incorporated into the nucleus, transforming protium into deuterium.
Neutron-induced tritium production: Neutrons can also induce the production of tritium by interacting with deuterium. The reaction can be represented as:
D-2 + n → T-3 (tritium) + γ (gamma ray)
In this reaction, the neutron is absorbed by deuterium, leading to the formation of tritium.
These reactions are important in fusion research and some nuclear power technologies. For example, in a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion reaction, the fusion of deuterium and tritium nuclei releases large amounts of energy. By using neutrons to create tritium, it is possible to sustain a self-sustaining fusion chain reaction.
It's worth noting that the production of tritium through neutron bombardment of protium is not a primary method for generating tritium. Tritium is more commonly produced by neutron capture reactions with lithium-6 or lithium-7 in specialized facilities.