Field-Reversed Configuration lifetime scaling under compression

Matching the confinement timescales of the target plasma to the compression timescale is a central challenge of Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF). Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasmoids are commonly considered as a candidate target plasma for MTF due to their relatively high average beta. However, the maximum achievable lifetime appears too short for slow compression schemes, such as liquid liner compression (e.g., LINUS, General Fusion), and has proven difficult even for fast compression schemes, such as pulsed-power-driven solid liners (e.g., LANL/AFRL MTF collaboration). We examine FRC lifetime scaling under liner and flux compression scenarios to determine required starting conditions needed for fusion gain and discuss driver characteristics needed to achieve the necessary target plasma parameters and/or compression timescales.

Approved for public release, LA-UR-21-26725.