Ion & Electron Temperature

Fusion depends on the ion temperature; the electrons are where losses concentrate. Kronos deliberately runs the ions hotter than the electrons.

Fusion rate

Set by the ion temperature T_i

Losses

Concentrate in the electron channel

Kronos T_i0

65–70 keV

Kronos T_e0

34 keV (deliberately cooler)

A plasma's ions and electrons can sit at different temperatures, and the distinction is central to the Kronos design. Fusion reaction rate depends on the ion temperature (T_i), while the electron temperature (T_e) is where bremsstrahlung and synchrotron losses concentrate. The ideal is therefore hot ions and comparatively cool electrons.

Kronos MetroVolt targets central temperatures of T_i0 = 65–70 keV against T_e0 = 34 keV — a deliberate hot-ion posture where the ions run roughly twice as hot as the electrons. Keeping the electron channel cool limits radiation while the hot ions drive fusion. Sustaining that temperature separation (T_i/T_e ≥ 1.5) is prediction P2 — a bet the design must prove, which is why the near-thermal case is carried as the operating baseline.