Plasma Physics Seminar ( Phys 769)

Dr. Samuel Cohen, PPPL A Quicker Path to Clean Practical Fusion Power Recent results from theory and experiment show a promising new direction for the rapid development of practical magnetic fusion reactors. That direction is towards small, low power, rotating-magnetic-field-heated (RMF) field-reversed configuration (FRC) devices that burn aneutronic fuels. A novel and essential element in this approach is the odd-parity symmetry of the RMF used to drive plasma current, heat both electrons and ions, and stabilize the plasma. Motivations for and progress on a superconducting next-step RMF-heated FRC and physics considerations for a car-sized practical RMF-FRC reactor will be described, with emphasis on the scientific challenges. Return to main page