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Compact torus

Journal Article · · J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.570888· OSTI ID:6497572

The objective of the compact torus approach is to provide toroidal magnetic-field configurations that are based primarily on plasma currents and can be freed from closely surrounding mechanical structures. Some familiar examples are the current-carrying plasma rings of reversed-field theta pinches and relativistic-electron ''smoke ring'' experiments. The spheromak concept adds an internal toroidal magnetic field component, in order to enhance MHD stability. In recent experiments, three different approaches have been used to generate spheromak plasmas: (1) the reversed-field theta pinch; (2) the coaxial plasma gun; (3) a new quasi-static method, based on the initial formation of a toroidal plasma sleeve around a mechanical ring that generates poloidal and toroidal fluxes, followed by field-line reconnection to form a detached spheromak plasma. The theoretical and experimental MHD stability results for the spheromak configuration are found to have common features.

Research Organization:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
OSTI ID:
6497572
Journal Information:
J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:3; ISSN JVSTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English