LSP simulation of the formation of a field reversed configuration plasma with odd-parity rotating magnetic fields

The field reversed configuration (FRC) for plasma confinement and heating has features that make it a leading candidate for practical compact fusion energy plants. The PFRC (Princeton FRC) experiment [1] makes use of odd-parity rotating magnetic fields (RMF) to drive field reversal and provide plasma heating. In this paper, we describe “first principle” simulation of the device start up including plasma formation and field reversal using the electromagnetic LSP code. The RMF antennae induce a 14 MHz, 12 gauss field that drives breakdown of the neutral deuterium gas. As the plasma density exceeds 10 12 cm −3 density, the induced electron azimuthal current results in a field reversal. The 3D LSP simulations use a detailed Monte Carlo gas interaction algorithm and self consistently model the RMF field penetration into the plasma and subsequent field reversal. Comparison with experimental results and scaling to reactor parameters are discussed.