Hot-Ion Mode
In a hot-ion plasma the ions are hotter than the electrons (T_i/T_e > 1), boosting fusion output. Kronos treats this posture as a bet it must prove, not assume.
- Condition
- T_i/T_e ≥ 1.5 (prediction P2)
- Why it helps
- Fusion rate rises with ion temperature; electrons radiate
- Hot-ion ceiling
- P_fus ≈ 2.41 GW, P_net ≈ 0.84 GWe
- Operating baseline
- near-thermal: P_fus ≈ 1.5 GW, P_net ≈ 0.4–0.5 GWe
Fusion reaction rate rises steeply with ion temperature, while the electron channel is where turbulence concentrates and where bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation drain energy. A hot-ion mode, in which the ions are kept hotter than the electrons (Ti/Te > 1), therefore buys more fusion power for less radiated loss. Negative triangularity helps by keeping the electron channel deliberately cool.
Kronos states the hot-ion posture as a ceiling, not a baseline. The hot-ion ceiling reaches Pfus ≈ 2.41 GW at Pnet ≈ 0.84 GWe, but only if fast-ion channeling delivers the required credit. The honest operating baseline is near-thermal: Pfus ≈ 1.5 GW and Pnet ≈ 0.4–0.5 GWe. Kronos plans and prices to the baseline, and treats the ceiling as upside to be earned.