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DTRA’s advancements in nuclear and radiological detection
A new, more complex nuclear age has begun. Echoing the tensions of the Cold War amid rapidly evolving nuclear and radiological threats, preparedness in the modern age is a contest of scientific innovation. The Research and Development Directorate (RD) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is charged with winning this contest.
M.A. Prelas, E. Leal-Quiros, J.F. Kunze, F.P. Boody, W. Miller, M. Mosquera, J. Javedani, T. Pennington, R. Hane, W. Wei, J. Burnett, T.J. Dolan, A. Gu
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 15 | Number 2 | March 1989 | Pages 1119-1124
Alternate Fuels and Innovative Confinement Concept | doi.org/10.13182/FST89-A39843
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In experiments with a microwave heated magnetic cusp, we have observed the formation and collapse of a strongly-magnetized, steady- state plasma. The formation and behavior of the plasma structure were examined in a variety of conditions. Holding microwave power constant and varying magnetic field strength, the plasma structure volume was observed to shrink, and the hole eventually collapsed as field strength was increased. Holding magnetic field strength constant and varying microwave power, the plasma structure's volume decreased as power was increased. However, we did not have sufficient microwave power to cause the hole structure to collapse. The magnetic confinement and the stability of the plasma in the cusp were also observed.