A fusion reaction may have been achieved

My understanding is that a net positive nuclear fusion reaction means that the reaction produces more energy than the energy required to initiate, contain, and sustain the reaction. The fusion reaction itself is converting mass to energy.

 

Correct. The asterisk here is that the energy used to cause the reaction (lasers) was highly inefficient to create.

My understanding is that, yes it was net positive at the reaction level, but not in the overall experiment.

Nonetheless, a first. Reason to celebrate, but fusion may still be 20 years off, as it has always been.

 

No expert but I suspect the harnessing and even more critical, an effective ability to distribute and use, is still a generation or two away.

The transistor was developed 75 years ago and is just really hitting full stride in application.

 

Thanks. That's what through me off "net positive gain".

 

Harnessing the energy on a scale where we can actually distribute it is a major step. And you never know when a computer chip malfunction will create a supervillian when trying to harness the power of the sun in the palm of your hand. Still, a positive step towards fusion, if true.

 

aren't laws made to be broken?

 

I think that’s records.

 

A Deflating quote from a CNBC article today...

"I think it’s moving into the foreground and probably, with concerted effort and investment, a few decades of research on the underlying technologies could put us in a position to build a power plant."

 

Mr Fusion 3000 coming to a house near you.

 

#therealdonaldtrump