A tandem mirror with axisymmetric central-cell ion confinement

Abstract

The ramifications of a tandem mirror design that provides axisymmetric central cell ion confinement are discussed. Such a design has the promise of eliminating central-cell resonant cross-field transport as well as reducing the technology requirements for high-field high-mirror-ratio plugs. Microstability in plug and anchor can accrue from the use of an injected ion distribution with a density depression at the midplane, and MHD stability results from the use of an 'outboard' minimum-B cell known as an anchor. A start-up scenario utilizing both ECRH and ICRH heating is also discussed