Ignition vs Driven Operation

Much of fusion's mystique attaches to ignition. Kronos deliberately does not chase it, and explains why a driven machine is the more controllable, more honest engineering choice.

Breeder

Driven, Q = 3.424

Burner

Driven, Q_E = 1.31

Ignition claimed?

No — by design

In an igniting plasma, fusion self-heating alone keeps the fuel hot with no external input — Q → ∞. In a driven plasma, external heating runs continuously and the machine produces a steady multiple of that input. Both can be net-energy-positive; they differ in control and risk.

Why Kronos chooses driven

• Control. A driven plasma is steered by its heating systems — turn the input down and the plasma responds. An igniting burn must be controlled by other means.
• Honesty. Quoting a finite Q with its heating power stated is a complete, checkable claim; 'ignition' invites over-reading.
• Fit to the fuel. The D–³He burner runs hot (90 keV) and is inherently a driven system; the breeder's Q = 3.424 is comfortably net-positive without needing self-sustainment.