Applying Alpha-Channeling to Mirror Machines
Authors: A.I. Zhmoginov and N.J. Fisch
Abstract: The α-channeling effect entails the use of radio-frequency waves to expel and cool high-energetic
α- particles born in a fusion reactor; the device reactivity can then be increased even further by
redirecting the extracted energy to fuel ions. Originally proposed for tokamaks, this technique has
also been shown to benefi t open-ended fusion devices. Here, the fundamental theory and practical
aspects of α- channeling in mirror machines are reviewed, including the influence of magnetic field
inhomogeneity and the effect of a finite wave region on the α-channeling mechanism. For practical
implementation of the α -channeling effect in mirror geometry, suitable contained weakly-damped
modes are identifi ed. In addition, the parameter space of candidate waves for implementing the
α -channeling effect can be signi cantly extended through the introduction of a suitable minority ion
species that has the catalytic effect of moderating the transfer of power from the α-channeling wave
to the fuel ions.
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Submitted to: Physics of Plasmas (March 2012)
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Download PPPL-4746 (pdf 763 KB 7 pp)
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