A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration
(FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically
in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained
electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied
magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic
confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment
of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have
adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together
by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas
that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited
to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
