The essentials
TOPIC
How it works
192 lasers deliver megajoules to a hohlraum in nanoseconds. X-rays ablate the capsule surface, driving implosion to stellar densities.
TOPIC
What breakeven meant
Target gain, not wall-plug gain. The lasers themselves consumed far more than they delivered. Real energy balance is still ahead.
TOPIC
The path to a plant
Repetition rate is the hurdle. NIF fires a few times a day; a power plant needs several times a second, with a fresh target every shot.
192
Lasers
2022
Ignition
TARGET
Gain achieved
Hz
Rep rate needed
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Part of the Porritt Inc. energy library. Questions or corrections are welcome.
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