The L-5 stellarator: A compact torsatron with a controlled structure of the magnetic configuration

The project of an L-5 stellarator is discussed. This multipurpose device of the compact torsatron type is considered as a possible prototype of the principal experimental device of the Plasma Physics Department (the General Physics Institute, the Russian Academy of Sciences) involved in the stellarator program of controlled fusion research. This device is intended to take place of the L-2 (L-2M) stellarator, which is now in operation. A peculiar feature of this project is the extremely low aspect ratio of a toroidal plasma configuration and, at the same time, the experimental flexibility allowing creation of a wide range of magnetic configurations. This allows scanning of main plasma parameters, determining plasma confinement within substantial limits. The latter circumstance makes it possible to carry out studies of magnetic plasma confinement with the purpose to investigate effects of different theoretical limitations on plasma stability and equilibrium, and also to study efficiency of some methods prop...