Feasibility Studies of Alpha-Particle Channeling in Mirror Machines

Abstract

The linear magnetic trap is an attractive concept both for fusion reactors and for other plasma applications because of its relative engineering simplicity and high-beta operation. Applying the α-channeling technique to linear traps such as mirror machines can benefit this concept by efficiently redirecting α-particle energy to fuel ion heating or by otherwise sustaining plasma confinement, thus increasing the effective fusion reactivity. To identify waves suitable for α channeling, a rough optimization of the energy extraction rate with respect to the wave parameters is performed. After the optimal regime is identified, a systematic search for modes with similar parameters in mirror plasmas is performed, assuming quasi-longitudinal or quasi-transverse wave propagation. Several modes suitable for α-particle energy extraction are identified for both reactor designs and for proof-of-principle experiments.