Modern version of the uncited 1938 experiment that first observed DT fusion

Fusion of the two heavy hydrogen isotopes deuterium with tritium is important for future energy production. The authors attempt to reproduce an early experimental result by Arthur J. Ruhlig (published in the Physical Review in 1938, but not cited until 2023) that suggested Ruhlig had observed the so-called ``DT'' reaction, ³H(d,n)⁴He in a secondary reaction (see figure). In the present work the authors use modern experimental techniques to repeat the experiment, and they indeed observe DT fusion and measure the reaction rate. In addition to giving insights into the historic nuclear fusion experiment, the technique used could have applications in checking triton stopping powers in deuterium-containing fusion targets.