Field-reversed configuration formation, translation, and confinement studies on the FRX-C/T experiment

The field-reversed configuration (FRC) is a high ..beta.. (>50%), prolate compact toroid plasma contained primarily by poloidal magnetic fields. FRC plasmas with parameters, anti n = (1-5)x10/sup 15/cm/sup -3/, T/sub i/ = 0.1-0.8 keV, T/sub e/ = 0.1-0.2 keV, R approx. = 7 cm, B = 5-8 kG, lifetimes less than or equal to300 ..mu..s, are studied on the FRX-C/T experiment at Los Alamos. FRX-C/T consists of a 0.5-m-dia, 1.0-m-long field-reversed theta-pinch coil, and a 0.4-m-dia, 5-m-long translation region into which FRC's are launched, translated, and trapped. A 5-20 mtorr pressure D/sub 2/ fill is introduced into the device by either a gas puff (localized in the theta-pinch source) or static fill system.