Abstract
The high-frequency "convective" loss-cone mode in a mirror-confined plasma is shown to be absolutely unstable as a result of wave reflection from the mirror throats, provided that the plasma length is greater than an axial wavelength. Critical lengths for stability are only a few ion gyroradii for fusion parameters, much smaller than previous estimates. This result places serious limitations on the design of mirror fusion reactors, and precludes the possibility of a linearly stable reactor with empty loss cone.
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