[…] 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.
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