Formation of High-Density Field Reversed Configurations on a Linear Transformer Driver

Simulations by Slutz et al. [1] have shown the potential for impressive fusion yield from compression of high-density, high-applied-field (10-30+ T), centimeter-scale field reversed configurations (FRCs) via solid liners imploded by the Z-machine (20 MA, 100 ns). In practice, such experiments could be done on Z with a similar platform to MagLIF, using bias coils in combination with helical AutoMag-type liners [2] to produce a reversing axial field preceding the implosion.

The proposed FRCs would be formed at very disparate physical and hydrodynamic scales than has previously been achieved to the authors’ knowledge. It is unclear if the lifetime and stability parameters developed semi-empirically for low-field FRCs [3] are applicable in this novel regime. A platform is being developed on the MAIZE linear transformer driver (1 MA, 200 ns) at the University of Michigan to study the formation and lifetime of high-density, high-field FRCs. The hardware of this platform will be presented, as well as the most recent experimental and computational results.



[1] Stephen A. Slutz and Matthew R. Gomez, “Fusion gain from cylindrical liner-driven implosions of field reversed configurations.” Physics of Plasmas 28.4 (2021).

[2] Stephen A. Slutz et al., “Auto-magnetizing liners for magnetized inertial fusion.” Physics of Plasmas 24.1 (2017).

[3] Alan L. Hoffman et al., “The Large-s Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment.” Fusion Technology 23.2, (1993).