The intrinsic potential of a Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) for high-β operation – with β-values in the range of 50 to 100% – stimulates much interest in this device as an attractive candidate for a compact fusion reactor with high power density. Several additional benefits, e.g. the cylindrical geometry of the concept, the simplicity of the magnetic system, the simply connected plasma, the low synchrotron radiation, the divertor action of the open field lines and the possibility for direct energy conversion of the charged particle flow, justify a closer look at the benefits and problems of FRCs.

Based on a reference parameter set developed within the international reactor study RUBY [1], the advantages and disadvantages of FRCs are discussed. A steady-state version of an FRC is considered to be more attractive than its pulsed counterpart. Frequent start-up to high temperatures would be particularly detrimental for D-3He with its higher operational requirements (e.g. Ti, nτE, …).