Dynamic ignition - a new operation criterion for fusion plasmas

Bum dynamic studies of magnetically confined fusion plasmas have shown that - for certain fueling regimes - there exists a stable equilibrium point in the plasma density-temperature state plane associated with high fusion power production. In approaching this operation point the plasma is heated by auxiliary mechanisms. The question of interest is: When can the external heating power be turned off so that the plasma temperature and density will evolve into the stable equilibrium point only due to internal fusion power deposition? The associated system dynamics suggest the definition of a new ignition criterion which seems to be more adequate for accomplishing steady-state operation of fusion reactors than todays ignition criteria