Helion (chemistry)

In nuclear chemistry and nuclear physics, a helion refers to the nucleus of a helium-3 atom. This nucleus consists of two protons and one neutron. It is denoted by the symbol ³He²⁺ or ³He.

Helions are positively charged particles with a spin of 1/2. They are relatively stable, though helium-3 itself is less abundant than helium-4.

Helions are often used as projectiles in nuclear reactions to probe the structure of atomic nuclei or to synthesize new isotopes. They can be produced in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. The reactions involving helions are useful for transferring two protons and one neutron to the target nucleus.