Fusion engine cycle in reactor system by adiabatic compression

Cycle operation in magnetic confinement reactors is proposed in order to convert fusion energy directly to electromagnetic energy. By adiabatic compression, the fuel plasma is heated to exceed the ignition criterion. Thermal energy due to reactions is converted to electromagnetic energy through decompression. Decrease of the temperature closes the cycle. The energy conversion efficiency is studied. A large fraction of fusion energy can be directly converted. (author)