Medical Definition of Q-factor
1.
Ratio of power produced by fusion to power put into the reactor to heat the plasma and drive the magnetic fields.
Q = 1 is the definition of scientific breakeven, where power out = power in. Economical fusion will require Q significantly greater than 1. Fortunately Q increases dramatically as the plasma parameters approach the Lawson criterion for ignition. Power to drive the magnetic fields is frequently ignored in discussions of Q, with the justification that a steady-state, continuous-output fusion reactor will have superconducting magnet coils.
(15 Dec 1997)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Q-factor
Other Resources:
