The path is sought in the temperature–density plane that allows
desired plasma burning conditions to be reached in the shortest possible time.
This task is undertaken using the tools of classical variational analysis. The
derived expression of Euler's equation is found to be degenerate. Ways to
overcome such an impasse are examined, and eventually the solution is
obtained. Illustrative applications to the OMITRON proposed ignition
experiment are presented, which make reference to the Lackner–Gottardi and
ITER-P89 scalings for the energy confinement time.