Scientific “break-even” or better is near-term goal
Magnetically imploded tubes called liners, intended to help
produce controlled nuclear fusion at scientific “break-even” energies or better
within the next few years, have functioned successfully in preliminary tests,
according to a Sandia research paper accepted for publication by Physical
Review Letters (PRL).
To exceed scientific break-even is the most hotly
sought-after goal of fusion research, in which the energy released by a fusion
reaction is greater than the energy put into it — an achievement that would
have extraordinary energy and defense implications.