Laser Pre-Ionization of the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX)

The Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment is investigating stability and scalability of centrifugally confined plasmas for fusion energy. Plasma ionization is expected to be challenging in reactor scenarios in which magnetic fields and applied voltages are projected to be an order of magnitude higher than in CMFX. The optimal power ranges for this breakdown to occur are in the ~MW levels at volumes that are less than 0.1cm³ over a range of wavelengths. We are investigating controlled and reproducible means of breakdown under a wide range of electric and magnetic fields over a range of pressures. This will allow us to synchronize the plasma breakdown with the application of the DC high voltage across the magnetic fields and gas injection.