First operation of the PFRC-2 device

The PFRC-2 is a field-reversed-configuration device built, with ARRA funding, to investigate long-pulse plasma behavior and ion heating by rotating magnetic fields at a ratio of ion cyclotron frequency to RMF frequency near 1/5. Using high-temperature superconducting passive coils internal to the PFRC-2 vessel, we have produced stable plasma discharges over 100 ms in duration with a heating power of 15 kW. Characteristics of the discharges will be described.