Modern magnetic mirrors and their fusion prospects

Abstract

This paper reviews the most important findings from recent experiments on modern magnetic mirrors, apart from tandem mirrors and rotating plasma devices. These modern magnetic mirrors are represented by a multiple mirror device GOL-3 and a gas dynamic trap, experiments on which are carried out in Novosibirsk. Both devices are characterized by axial symmetry and improved axial confinement of plasma compared with conventional mirror machines. Recent findings from experiments enable us to more practically consider applications of the gas dynamic trap as a high-flux 14 MeV neutron source for fusion materials testing, and possibly as a driver for fusion–fission hybrids. They also indicate that effective axial plasma confinement in a multiple mirror can be obtained with a smaller plasma density compared with theory and β < 1. This is beneficial from the point of view of the technical realization of a multiple mirror reactor.