Thermonuclear Fusion: Power Balance

This lecture covers the power balance in thermonuclear fusion reactors, focusing on fusion power density, losses, and the conditions for net energy production. It discusses the D-T reaction, fusion power density calculations, numerical exercises, and the balance between energy production and losses. The lecture also delves into radiative and direct losses in fusion reactors, as well as the concepts of breakeven and ignition. It concludes with an overview of engineering fusion gain and different approaches to plasma confinement.