Impaler wrote: Is their some way in which the results can be graphed along side earlier results and with comparisons to other projects (ITER & NIF) along with a ‘goal’ point to give a more visual sense of the progress?
The typical relationship is a ratio of fusion energy to energy required to drive the fusion events. Based upon the statement by LPP, eight 9 microfarad capacitors were used at a charge voltage of 40 kV or 57.6 kJ. The D-D fusion yield would be ~1 J with a D-D yield of about 1E12 neutrons. This means the conversion efficiency from the cap bank to fusion is 0.001%. JET has reported a physics conversion ratio of 70%. However, this neglects the pumps, magnets and other auxiliary systems that are necessary for fusion to take place. It only takes into account the energy to heat the plasma. In reality, I would guess 25% is a better number but don’t hold me to that. NIF on the other hand is likely to show gain, i.e. conversion greater than 100% in the next few months. However, it will never be a fusion power system. NIF has one purpose despite the advertising and it is NOT to make electricity.
This is a reasonable comparison, but one has to ask about goals. My personal opinion is 3MA is too small to demonstrate a fusion gain. However, the critical physics of a fusion burn in a pulse power system with p-11B might be demonstrated. One should not underestimate the value of this information. It would be a huge advance for fusion in general.
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