Feasibility Studies of Alpha-Channeling in Mirror Machines
Authors: A. I. Zhmoginov and N. J. Fisch
Abstract:
The linear magnetic trap is an attractive concept both for fusion reactors and for other plasma applications due to its relative engineering simplicity and high-beta operation. Applying the α- channeling technique to linear traps, such as mirror machines, can benefit this concept by efficiently redirecting α particle energy to fuel ion heating or by otherwise sustaining plasma confinement, thus increasing the effective fusion reactivity. To identify waves suitable for α-channeling a rough optimization of the energy extraction rate with respect to the wave parameters is performed. After the optimal regime is identified, a systematic search for modes with similar parameters in mirror plasmas is performed, assuming quasi-longitudinal or quasi-transverse wave propagation. Several modes suitable for α particle energy extraction are identified for both reactor designs and for proof- of-principle experiments.
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Accepted to: Fusion Science and Technology (November 2009)
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Download PPPL-4506 (pdf 535 KB 9 pp)
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