Medical Definition of Confinement time
1.
There are several types. The general definition is tau = [total]/[loss per unit time], hence Tau_E = [total energy]/[energy loss per unit time]. Tau_[E, N,.] is the amount of time the plasma is contained (for example, by magnetic fields) before its [energy (E), particles (N or P)] leak / dissipate away. The different types are, in general, similar but not equal. (N.B., Tau_E is NOT electron confinement time!)
(09 Oct 1997)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Confinement Time
Other Resources: