I wasn’t aware of that distinction about the energy for the laser to generate the heat energy within the reaction not being factored into the Q value, very interesting, thank you! Would that energy for the laser still be required in a “stable reaction” continuously, or would it be something that would “trail off”?
I didn’t see any mention of the output in the article. 22MW injected, but does anyone know if the reaction was actually generating a positive output?
Many years ago I remember having this very same feeling about taking a left turn at an intersection. It was a smooth turn, maybe it was about the rate at which I accelerated and returned the wheel to the centre position, the car didn’t jolt it any way… so I just felt extra proud about myself on that.
It’s the only way to be sure.