A D-³He fusion reactor based on a dipole magnetic field

Abstract

An innovative fusion reactor suitable for D-3He fuel is proposed; it is based on a dipole magnetic field produced by a levitated superconducting coil. The equilibrium plasma, whose phase space density satisfies ∂f̑0(μ,J,ψ)/∂ψ = 0, where ψ is the flux function, has a steep enough pressure profile for an efficient fusion reaction yet is stable to low frequency instabilities for local beta exceeding unity. At the outer wall, the plasma is stabilized by line tying or localized magnetic cusps which can be used for direct conversion. The fusion product confinement time can be controlled for ash removal by breaking the axisymmetry of the dipole magnetic field. A conceptual 70 MW reactor design is presented.