Computer Simulation of Field Reversal in Mirror Machines

Abstract

Computer simulation of neutral injection into a mirror machine shows the existence of stable two-dimensional ($\mathcal{r}, z$) field-reversed mirror configurations. The code follows ion orbits in self-consistent magnetic fields; all electron currents have been ignored. For small systems only a few gyroradii in extent, it is only necessary to focus the neutral beam off axis. Stability to the Alfv\'en ion cyclotron mode is due in part to finite-length effects. Some steady states for large systems have also been observed.