Heavy Water and the Wartime Race for Nuclear Energy

Heavy water (deuterium oxide) played a sinister role in the race for nuclear energy during the World War II. It was a key factor in Germany''s bid to harness atomic energy primarily as a source of electric power; its acute shortage was a factor in Japan''s decision not to pursue seriously nuclear weaponry; its very existence was a nagging thorn in the side of the Allied powers. Books and films hav...