Progress toward fusion energy breakeven and gain as measured against the Lawson criterion

TL;DR

This paper reviews the progress in fusion energy research by analyzing how experimental parameters relate to the Lawson criterion, highlighting achievements and challenges in reaching energy breakeven.

Contribution

It compiles and explains achieved plasma parameters across various fusion experiments, providing a comprehensive reference and tutorial on the Lawson criterion's role in fusion progress.

Findings

Compilation of experimental parameters for fusion experiments

Analysis of Lawson criterion achievements over time

Methodologies for parameter extraction in different fusion approaches

Abstract

The Lawson criterion is a key concept in the pursuit of fusion energy, relating the fuel density $n$, pulse duration $\tau$ or energy confinement time $\tau_E$, and fuel temperature $T$ to the energy gain $Q$ of a fusion plasma. The purpose of this paper is to explain and review the Lawson criterion and to provide a compilation of achieved parameters for a broad range of historical and contemporary fusion experiments. Although this paper focuses on the Lawson criterion, it is only one of many equally important factors in assessing the progress and ultimate likelihood of any fusion concept becoming a commercially viable fusion-energy system. Only experimentally measured or inferred values of $n$, $\tau$ or $\tau_E$, and $T$ that have been published in the peer-reviewed literature are included in this paper, unless noted otherwise. For extracting these parameters, we discuss methodologies that are necessarily specific to different fusion approaches (including magnetic, inertial, and magneto-inertial fusion). This paper is intended to serve as a reference for fusion researchers and a tutorial for all others interested in fusion energy.