FRX-C Large Source Modification

The FRX-C Large Source Modification (LSM) consists of a larger discharge tube and a larger radius coil connected to the existing FRX-C collector plates and capacitor banks. The objectives of LSM are to (1) study the size dependences of processes governing FRC formation and poloidal flux trapping in order to improve the design of larger field-reversed theta pinch devices, (2) increase the parameter s (number of local ion gyroradii between the field null and separatrix) to seek access to predicted new regimes of improved confinement and possible instability, (3) search for evidence of internal tilt instability at higher values of s where the mode is predicted to grow more rapidly, and (4) observe the effect of s and larger size on FRC confinement. In this paper we will discuss the construction of LSM, the experimental plan, and preliminary experimental results.