The Novatron mirror concept – theory and simulation

The Novatron mirror fusion concept offers, for the first time, mirror plasma confinement at high mirror ratio in axially symmetric magnetic field geometry with uniformly good curvature. It is designed to significantly improve upon previous mirror devices by enhancing stability against anisotropic MHD interchange modes and microinstabilities, specifically DCLC modes. Currently, a proof-of-principle experimental facility is being constructed, and initial experiments are scheduled for late 2023. If funding and construction of a series of experiments N1-N4 are successful, this could lead to the development of a compact commercial reactor by the end of the next decade. Moreover, the Novatron design reduces the capital expenditure due to both the efficient use of the axisymmetric magnetic field, and the absence of need for superconducting coils. The plasma confinement physics of the innovative Novatron magnetic field geometry, which incorporates ring-shaped magnetic mirrors at both ends of the device, is explored through theoretical models, as well as from particle-in-cell (PIC) and MHD simulations. We will present our current understanding of plasma equilibrium formation and MHD stability at high beta. A number of planned measures for Q enhancement will be presented, being of particular importance since mirrors are open field line devices where energy confinement to a large extent depends on well confined particles.