Reactor issues for tandem mirrors operating in the negative-potential mode

Technical Report · Mon Dec 02 00:00:00 EST 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6275995· OSTI ID:6275995

Perkins, L J; Campbell, R B

During 1985, interest has been revived at LLNL in tandem mirrors operating in the negative-potential mode. The negative tandem is formed by combining ECRH-sustained hot electron end cell plasmas with pumping mechanisms to remove trapped ions from the end cells. No sloshing ions are required. The resulting negative potential in the end cells confines the central cell electrons. The requirement of charge neutrality causes the ambipolar potential of the central cell to become negative relative to the end wall (hence, the name ''negative' tandem mirror), thereby providing central cell ion confinement. This potential distribution is the exact inverse of the axial distribution for the conventional (positive) tandem mirror without thermal barriers. In the negative tandem mirror, central cell electrons are confined electrostatically, end cell electrons are confined magnetically, and ions are confined electrostatically everywhere. In this report, we briefly assess the reactor issues pertinent to the operation of the tandem mirror in the negative mode. 7 refs., 5 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6275995
• Report Number(s): UCID-20603; ON: DE86004492; TRN: 86-005255
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
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MAGNETIC FIELDS
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SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
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700200* - Fusion Energy- Fusion Power Plant Technology