"Fusion Device as an Open System: A New Concept"

 

A new concept of a fusion device is presented in which the desirable plasma structure is produced by continuous injection of negentropy from and ejection of increased entropy to external environment.

Here the energy confinement time TE for the Lawson criteria for ignition required for conventional fusion device becomes irrelevant and is replaced by negentropy confinement (maintenance) time TS. Unlike a classic magnetic container where an adiabatic equilibrium in a closed magnetic container is required, the present concept allows non-adiabatic equilibrium that is sustained by continuous exchange of energy and entropy with external environment.