Outline for a Spheromak Proof of Principle Experiment

A possible means for reducing reactor core complexity and size (and hence cost) could lie with research into the Spheromak concept: a plasma ring with no coils linking the plasma.~ Much progress has been made in the last 20 years, and now tokamak-like confinement is being reported, with work focusing on understanding beta-limits, transport and novel means of generating magnetic fields both in sustained and pulsed scenarios.~ Spheromak research is maturing, with many experiments integrated into a national program to resolve well defined critical physics issues.~ This poster summarizes the work from the last 20 years both as a historical overview and an outline of the present status.~ A natural consequence is to suggest the possibility of a Next-Step Spheromak, or advanced Proof of Principle device that will build on recent success and address many of the remaining critical issues in preparation for a Spheromak BPX.~~