Bremsstrahlung Radiation in Plasma
Continuous electromagnetic radiation emitted when free plasma electrons undergo deceleration scattering off positive ions.
Governing formula
P_brems ∝ Z_eff n_e² √T_e
SI unit
W/m³ (Radiated Power Density)
In depth
'Braking radiation' represents a primary unavoidable radiation cooling mechanism in high-temperature fusion plasmas. Radiated power scales with electron density squared n_e² and atomic charge squared Z², requiring pure hydrogen fuel to minimize radiation losses.
Examples in the real world
Bremsstrahlung radiation cooling high-Z impurity contaminated tokamak fusion plasmas.