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A high-density field reversed configuration plasma for magnetized target fusion

Authors :
Intrator, T.P.
Park, Jaeyoung Y.
Degnan, James H.
Furno, I.
Grabowski, Chris
Hsu, S.C.
Ruden, Edward L.
Sanchez, P.G.
Taccetti, J. Martin
Tuszewski, M.
Waganaar, W.J.
Wurden, Glen A.
Zhang, Shouyin Y.
Wang, Zhehui
Source :
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science. Feb, 2004, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p152, 9 p.
Publication Year :
2004

Abstract

We describe a program to demonstrate the scientific basis of magnetized target fusion (MTF). MTF is a potentially low-cost path to fusion which is intermediate in plasma regime between magnetic (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). MTF involves the compression of a magnetized target plasma and pressure times volume (PdV) heating to fusion relevant conditions inside a converging flux conserving boundary. We have chosen to demonstrate MTF by using a field-reversed configuration (FRC) as our magnetized target plasma and an imploding metal liner for compression. These choices take advantage of significant past scientific and technical accomplishments in MFE and defense programs research and should yield substantial plasma performance (n[tau] > [10.sup.13] s-[cm.sup.-3] T > 5 keV) using an available pulsed-power implosion facility at modest cost. We have recently shown the density, temperature, and lifetime of this FRC to be within a factor of 2-3 of that required for use as a suitable target plasma for MTF compression for a fusion demonstration. Index Terms--Field-reversed configuration, fusion energy, magnetized target fusion (MTF).

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00933813
Volume :
32
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.116669060