… Plasma physicists don’t measure the temperature using a thermometer, but instead study the energy of the particles inside the plasma using a metric known as the kiloelectron volt, or kEV. …
… Magnets are at the core of many fusion power plant designs — they are what keeps the superheated matter called plasma compressed and burning hot enough to fuse atoms, which then release heat and energy. …
… The magnetic field compresses the plasma to about 1 millimeter, at which point ignition occurs. The neutrons released by the fusion reaction bombard a liquid metal blanket that surrounds the reactor, heating it up. …