Pre-ionization for high-density, high-field Field-Reversed Configuration formation
POSTER
Abstract
The performance of Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) formation and the properties of the resulting equilibria strongly depend on the parameters of the pre-ionized plasma prior to field-reversal. In order to optimize these initial conditions, several pre-ionization methods have been investigated including ringing-theta pre-ionization, injection of plasma using an annular array of rail guns, and any additional ionization due to field-reversal. The utility and initial results of these techniques are discussed in the context of formation at high densities and high reverse bias field made possible by new high-voltage, low-inductance reversal systems under development at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
*This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and the Institute for Critical Science and Applied Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Approved for public release, LA-UR-21-26698.
Presenters
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Ian A Bean
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Virginia Tech