Laser fusion reactor approaches ‘burning plasma’ milestone

        November 23, 2020 Science | United States | nuclear: fusion

A redesigned target and improved shot diagnostics closes in on a self-heating burning plasma, essential to ICF ignition and “runaway energy gain.” The enlarged target chamber increased temperatures and x-ray absorption to compress the target more efficiently. If the hot spot can be heated more, an outward shock wave could burn the fuel and spark ignition.