Submitted by Sorin61 t3_z5xw9h in technology
ukezi t1_iy0011s wrote
Reply to comment by squanchingonreddit in Covering a cylinder with a magnetic coil triples its energy output in nuclear fusion test by Sorin61
Ok, little explanation.
In fusion research Q defines the power factor, how much energy the fusion reaction produces Vs how much you put in. At Q=1 you have break even but to be useful for power generation you have to get to more like Q=10. ITER is supposed to reach that.
Because lasers are just that inefficient people working with them like to redefine Q to not the input of the lasers but to the input of the fuel pallet. There is so least a factor 4 more likely at least 10 between that.
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