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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Kiyoyuki Yambe, Michiaki Inomoto, Shigefumi Okada
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 63 | Number 1 | May 2013 | Pages 147-151
doi.org/10.13182/FST13-A16892
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
We have measured detailed axial profiles of electron density, floating potential, and axial magnetic field in the field-reversed configuration (FRC) sustained by the rotating magnetic field. To study the influence on the equilibrium of two kinds of bias magnetic field configuration - straight (pure solenoidal) and mirror -, experiments have been carried out in the FRC Injection Experiment apparatus. The case of mirror configuration has longer quasi-steady state compared with the case of straight configuration. The steeper density gradient outside the separatrix is generated by the uniform gradient of magnetic field due to the mirror configuration. The axial parallel diffusion is suppressed due to the steeper density gradient outside the separatrix. Therefore, the mirror bias magnetic field configuration works to improve the plasma confinement.