Laser and Radio Frequency Ionization of the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX)

The Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment is investigating stability and scalability of centrifugally confined plasmas for fusion energy. Plasma ionization is expected to be challenging in reactor scenarios in which magnetic fields and applied voltages are projected to be an order of magnitude higher than in CMFX. The transient response of the transmission line and its feedback to the plasma during breakdown is of concern at the power levels required in a reactor scenario. We are investigating controlled and reproducible means of breakdown under a wide range of electric and magnetic fields using laser ionization techniques that we have developed in another program for radioactive detection of nuclear material. This will allow us to synchronize the plasma breakdown with the application of the high voltage across the magnetic fields, and with the synchronization of the gas injection. A similar approach is being explored using Radio Frequency (RF) breakdown with a carefully crafted antenna.