Steady State FRCs with high fast ion component in the C-2W experiment

C-2W (aka Norman) is a field reversed configuration (FRC) sustained in steady state by three actuators: neutral beam injection (NBI), electrode biasing, and magnetic expander divertors. The NBI creates a large population of fast ions (approx. 50% of total pressure) that heats the thermal plasma and provides current drive. The electrode biasing allows adjustment of the radial electric field and bulk plasma rotation profiles. The expander divertors provide neutral gas pumping and stabilizing curvature, and they create a pre-sheath potential which reduces parallel electron heat loss, close to the ideal ambipolar limit. The combination of these actuators, along with real-time magnetic control, create macroscopically stable C-2W plasmas in steady state.

The FRC has near unity plasma beta. This implies low magnetic field in the plasma, low synchrotron radiation, and the ability to operate at high temperature, making the FRC uniquely capable of burning advanced fuels such as D-3He or p-11B. The energetic alpha product can damage plasma-facing materials, but with low neutron production a reactor design is possible with existing, nuclear-qualified materials.

The ratio of beam energy to thermal ion temperature in C-2W is comparable to the ratio of fusion-born alpha particles to thermal plasma temperature in proposed p-11B reactor designs. This makes C-2W an ideal test bed to explore physics and technology in preparation for an aneutronic p-11B Fusion Pilot Plant based on the steady state FRC.