[scythe]

The pellets produce a net energy release larger than the energy used by the laser. This energy gain is called "ignition" in fusion parlance. A fuel pellet does not ignite itself — otherwise, they would be destroyed as soon as they are produced, like the critical ball in a nuclear warhead. That's what I was saying from the beginning: the laser does not function like the spark plug on a car engine; it is required for every ignition. It's pretty clear if you go back and read the analogy I initially responded to.