Breeder Reactor
A reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes by converting fertile nuclides.
Formula / equation
²³⁸U + n → ²³⁹Pu
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Fast neutrons convert abundant uranium-238 into fissile plutonium-239, greatly extending the usable uranium resource. Breeders are technically demanding, usually needing liquid sodium coolant, and raise proliferation concerns because they generate separable plutonium.
Examples in the real world
Fast breeder reactors in France and Russia; thorium-232 breeding to uranium-233 in proposed thorium cycles.