[…] This is important, because they kind of fudge the numbers a bit. NIF measures power in as the laser power into the fusion reaction chamber, not what they SUPPLY to the laser. If they claim a Q of 1 based on their measure; it would actually be a Q of 0.01 by the standard calculation, because they’re ignoring the inefficiencies of the lasers.

Not only that, but we’d still be a factor of 20 from viable power. This is just something to keep in mind.

  • @ganymede@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    yeah anyone familiar with popular science reporting should already expect the actual findings to be more along the lines of an important milestone, rather than a complete solution.

    highly doubt the actual scientists are pretending otherwise. the media just can’t help themselves.

    but i think the findings are probably still very exciting if true