Orbital theory simulation was applied to an electron trap that uses a cube shaped magnetic cusp known as a Polywell device. The purpose of this device is to create a virtual cathode in order to achieve nuclear fusion using inertial electrostatic confinement. Analytical expressions of the electron confinement time and average position within the device were obtained in terms of the current in the field coils, the dimensions of the device, and the kinetic energy of the electrons. Comparisons with numerical simulations showed good agreement over a parameter range that spanned several orders of magnitude for the current. In addition, power loss from electrons exiting the trap was estimated in order to obtain minimum power requirement to maintain a virtual cathode within the device.
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October 2013
Research Article|
October 01 2013
Scaling law of electron confinement in a zero beta polywell device
David V. Gummersall;
David V. Gummersall
Department of Plasma Physics, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney
, NSW 2006, Australia
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Matthew Carr;
Matthew Carr
Department of Plasma Physics, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney
, NSW 2006, Australia
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Scott Cornish;
Scott Cornish
Department of Plasma Physics, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney
, NSW 2006, Australia
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Joe Kachan
Joe Kachan
Department of Plasma Physics, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney
, NSW 2006, Australia
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Phys. Plasmas 20, 102701 (2013)
Article history
Received:
June 14 2013
Accepted:
September 13 2013
Citation
David V. Gummersall, Matthew Carr, Scott Cornish, Joe Kachan; Scaling law of electron confinement in a zero beta polywell device. Phys. Plasmas 1 October 2013; 20 (10): 102701. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4824005
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