Lawson criterion meaning

The Lawson criterion defines the conditions necessary for achieving nuclear fusion.


Lawson criterion definitions

Word backwards noswaL noiretirc
Part of speech The "Lawson criterion" is a proper noun, specifically a compound noun phrase named after John D. Lawson, the physicist who formulated it.
Syllabic division Law-son cri-te-ri-on
Plural The plural of the word "Lawson criterion" is "Lawson criteria."
Total letters 15
Vogais (4) a,o,i,e
Consonants (7) l,w,s,n,c,r,t

The Lawson criterion is a measure used in nuclear fusion research to assess the efficiency of a fusion plasma. It determines whether a fusion reactor can sustain a fusion reaction and produce more energy than it consumes. The criterion sets a threshold for the plasma's temperature, density, and confinement time needed to reach and maintain a net energy gain.

Temperature, Density, and Confinement Time

The Lawson criterion combines three key factors essential for successful nuclear fusion: temperature, density, and confinement time. The plasma within a fusion reactor must reach a temperature of several million degrees Celsius to overcome the repulsive forces between positively charged atomic nuclei and enable fusion reactions. Additionally, the plasma must have a high enough density to maximize the likelihood of collisions between nuclei. Finally, the plasma must be confined long enough for fusion reactions to occur and for the released energy to exceed the input energy.

Impact on Fusion Reactors

Meeting the Lawson criterion is crucial for achieving practical fusion energy. Fusion reactors aim to replicate the nuclear fusion process that powers the sun, offering a clean, abundant, and sustainable energy source. By sustaining fusion reactions and surpassing the Lawson criterion, scientists can unlock the potential of fusion energy to address global energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Efforts to Meet the Criterion

Researchers worldwide are working on enhancing the performance of fusion reactors to meet the Lawson criterion and make fusion energy a reality. Advances in plasma heating, confinement techniques, and reactor design have brought us closer to achieving sustainable fusion reactions. Experimental fusion projects, such as ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), are at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of fusion research and optimizing the parameters required to fulfill the Lawson criterion.

In conclusion, the Lawson criterion serves as a guiding principle in the development of fusion energy technologies. By focusing on temperature, density, and confinement time, scientists strive to create efficient and viable fusion reactors that can revolutionize the energy landscape. Advancements in fusion research continue to drive progress towards meeting the criterion and unlocking the vast potential of fusion energy.


Lawson criterion Examples

  1. The Lawson criterion is a key parameter in the design of nuclear fusion reactors.
  2. Scientists are constantly researching ways to improve the Lawson criterion for more efficient fusion reactions.
  3. Understanding the Lawson criterion is crucial for achieving sustainable nuclear fusion energy.
  4. One of the challenges in achieving nuclear fusion is meeting the Lawson criterion.
  5. The Lawson criterion helps determine the conditions necessary for a self-sustaining fusion reaction.
  6. Research institutions around the world are working to optimize the Lawson criterion for fusion energy applications.
  7. Achieving the Lawson criterion is a major milestone in the development of fusion power technology.
  8. Many experimental fusion reactors are focused on meeting the Lawson criterion to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy.
  9. Improving plasma control is essential for meeting the Lawson criterion in nuclear fusion experiments.
  10. Researchers are exploring innovative ways to meet the Lawson criterion and make fusion energy a reality.


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  • Updated 04/04/2024 - 23:49:28