The Topolotron: A High Beta Device with Topological Stability |
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Authors: | Brown K H Ferguson H R P Gardner J H Knight L V Nelson H M |
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Institution: | Brigham Young University Provo, Utah 84602; |
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Abstract: | The concept of topological or structural stability is introduced and its importance in the magnetic confinement of plasmas is discussed. Topological stability requires the presence of a pair of limit cycles in the magnetic field configuration. This paper deals with the design of an experimental device possessing limit cycles. The design includes a high beta (? ? 1), high density (~1016), hot (~100 eV) hygrogen plasma which is to be compressed by a factor of about 5 in a toroidal device of 25 cm average major radius with a capacitor bank rise time of less than 2 ?sec. Two shaped toroidal coils with opposing currents and the poloidal compression coils have been designed to give a pressure balance equilibrium and establish the limit cycles. This device could be used to determine the physical significance of topological stability in plasma confinement. |
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