Abstract
Developing a stable plasma state with high-beta (ratio of plasma to magnetic pressures) is of critical importance for an economic magnetic fusion reactor. At the forefront of this endeavour is the field-reversed configuration. Here we demonstrate the kinetic stabilizing effect of fast ions on a disruptive magneto-hydrodynamic instability, known as a tilt mode, which poses a central obstacle to further field-reversed configuration development, by energetic beam injection. This technique, combined with the synergistic effect of active plasma boundary control, enables a fully stable ultra-high-beta (approaching 100%) plasma with a long lifetime.
Highlights
IntroductionDeveloping a stable plasma state with high-beta (ratio of plasma to magnetic pressures) is of critical importance for an economic magnetic fusion reactor
Developing a stable plasma state with high-beta is of critical importance for an economic magnetic fusion reactor
We report on a kinetic effect to stabilize a highly disruptive instability for an field-reversed configuration (FRC), known as a tilt mode, provided by fast ions from energetic beam injection
Summary
Developing a stable plasma state with high-beta (ratio of plasma to magnetic pressures) is of critical importance for an economic magnetic fusion reactor. We demonstrate the kinetic stabilizing effect of fast ions on a disruptive magneto-hydrodynamic instability, known as a tilt mode, which poses a central obstacle to further field-reversed configuration development, by energetic beam injection. This technique, combined with the synergistic effect of active plasma boundary control, enables a fully stable ultra-high-beta (approaching 100%) plasma with a long lifetime. The field-reversed configuration (FRC) is a simple compact toroid (CT) magnetic confinement system, that is, one without toroidal coils linking the plasma[4,5], and with predominantly poloidal fields The attractions of such a configuration for a potential fusion reactor are its simple, linear geometry for ease of construction and maintenance, as well as a natural, unrestricted divertor configuration for facilitating energy extraction and fusion ash removal. Such a stabilizing effect from fast particles, combined with the synergistic effect of the active boundary control, enables achievement of a fully-stable FRC scenario with a long lifetime
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
