αChanneling in a Rotating Plasma

Abstract

The wave-particle $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-channeling effect is generalized to include rotating plasma. Specifically, radio frequency waves can resonate with $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles in a mirror machine with $E\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}B$ rotation to diffuse the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles along constrained paths in phase space. Of major interest is that the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle energy, in addition to amplifying the rf waves, can directly enhance the rotation energy which in turn provides additional plasma confinement in centrifugal fusion reactors. An ancillary benefit is the rapid removal of alpha particles, which increases the fusion reactivity.