Status of GOL-NB project

Abstract

Overview of the activity on the development of the new multiple-mirror trap GOL-NB to be built in Budker Institute will be presented. This device to be build in BINP in several years as a deep conversion of the existing GOL-3 facility. The device will consist of a central trap with two 0.75 MW neutral beams, two multiple-mirror solenoids, two expander tanks and a plasma gun that creates start plasma. Plasma will be NBI-heated and confined in the central trap that is essentially a compact version of the GDT device with the well-known physics. The multiple-mirror sections should decrease the power and particle losses along the magnetic field. The main physical task of GOL-NB is the direct performance demonstration of the multiple-mirror sections that will change the escaping plasma flow and equilibrium plasma parameters in the central trap depending on the magnetic configuration chosen. In this paper, we will discuss new results in scenario modeling and progress in the hardware, including neutral beam injection system and start plasma source. First experiments on transport of a (1 – 4)×1020 m−3 cold plasma stream through the 3-meter-long solenoids with 0.5 – 4.5 T field are already completed thus demonstrating the performance of start plasma creation system.