A Theoretical Framework for Direct Electrostatic Energy Extraction from Nuclear Fission

This work presents a first-principles theoretical framework for direct electrostatic extraction of nuclear fission energy, demonstrating that early thermalization is not a mandatory intermediate step for electrical power generation. By combining weak-plasma physics, electrostatic transport, and material constraint analysis, the study establishes an inequality-based existence proof showing that ordered electron extraction can dominate loss processes within a bounded and physically consistent parameter space. Known limits from space-charge, Debye shielding, gas breakdown, ion backflow, and radiation-tolerant materials are treated explicitly, revealing a viable non-thermal conversion pathway not forbidden by established physics. The framework further shows that unavoidable residual heat may be routed through conventional steam cycles without degrading the primary non-thermal mechanism, enabling hybrid utilization. The contribution is conceptual and theoretical, aimed at establishing non-impossibility and bounded scalability rather than reactor readiness. We abandoned fire for light, yet still boil water with the atom — this work asks why.