Scientists repeat breakthrough fusion experiment, netting more power than before

[ykm]

https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/07/fusion-ignition-breakthrough-repeated/

[cerian]

From the previous experiment: "To produce the 2.05-megajoule shot, the laser system required 300 megajoules of power, Kim Budil, director of LLNL, said in a press conference today." [https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/13/world-record-fusion-experi...]

[simonblack]

The benefits of fusion power will come from continuous power output, rather than a bunch of one-off miniature bursts of fusion.

This experiment is very like a very, very, very tiny hydrogen bomb. It definitely produces fusion energy but not in a package that's useful for the real world. An analogy would be a car designed to be driven by tiny explosions of TNT rather than a tank full of petroleum fuel.

[happytiger → simonblack]

Yes but it works and that can’t be missed or understated.

[dimal]

Useful AI, a room-temperature superconductor, a cancer pill, and now net-positive fusion. Did we just crack open some secret alien tech? Maybe a time-tracker left their toolbox behind?