High-density field-reversed configuration plasma for magnetized target fusion

Field reversed theta pinch technology is employed with programmed cusp fields at the theta coil ends to form high-density field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas. The well-formed FRC plasmas have volume-averaged density of 2-4/spl times/10/sup 22/ m/sup -3/, total temperature (T/sub e/+T/sub i/) of 300-500 eV, and plasma lifetime between 10-20 /spl mu/s in 50-70 mtorr of deuterium static gas fill. The achieved FRC parameters are very close to the desired target plasma requirements for magnetized target fusion.