Research Library ’26

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Close-up of fusion particle accelerator beam at TAE Technologies

TAE has spent over 20 years working to develop and distribute the cleanest, most sustainable energy source of all time. Our unique approach combines plasma physics and accelerator physics for a brand new pathway to fusion power. Read about our top breakthroughs, and browse the entire research library for over 350 posters and papers published in the world’s leading peer-reviewed journals.

Featured papers.

Fast-Ion Axial Bounce Resonance in a Linear Magnetic Fusion Device

May 2026 | S. Karbashewski | Physical Review Letters | Paper

We report observations of an energetic-particle mode (EPM) in a linear plasma device that corresponds to an axial bounce resonance of fast ions sourced from neutral-beam injection (NBI). In our experiment, novel dynamic shaping of a magnetic mirror field reduces the distance …

Generation of field-reversed configurations via neutral beam injection

April 2025 | T. Roche | Nature Communications | Paper

We report evidence of successful generation of field-reversed configuration plasmas by neutral beam injection. This is achieved by trapping the steady state beams in an initial seed plasma, hence providing a direct source of toroidally directed energetic ion current and increase plasma …

First measurements of p11B fusion in a magnetically confined plasma

February 2023 | R. Magee | Nature Communications | Paper

Proton-boron (p11B) fusion is an attractive potential energy source but technically challenging to implement. Developing techniques to realize its potential requires first developing the experimental capability to produce p11B fusion…

A high performance field-reversed configuration

May 2015 | M. Binderbauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Conventional field-reversed configurations (FRCs), high-beta, prolate compact toroids embedded in poloidal magnetic fields, face notable stability and confinement concerns.

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Plasma stability calculations by fast rational approximation

June 2026 | C.K. Lau | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

The recently developed AAA (“adaptive Antoulas–Anderson,” pronounced as “triple-A”) algorithm, which rapidly produces an accurate rational approximation, is an extremely effective numerical technique for the plasma physics community….

Plasma flow and equilibrium in the magnetic nozzle

June 2026 | A. Smolyakov (Univ. of Saskatchewan) | Journal of Plasmas Physics | Paper

Axisymmetric cylindrical configurations of the magnetic field are used to confine and guide plasmas in fusion and electric propulsion devices, where plasma equilibria are established as a balance between plasma pressure, magnetic stress (pressure) …

High-Speed Camera-Based FIDA Measurements in an FRC Plasma on the C-2W Device

June 2026 | Y. Fujiwara | HTPD 2026 | Poster

We report the first use of the Hamamatsu ORCA-Quest 2 camera for FIDA measurements on C-2W, achieving ~1000× greater signal intensity and 4.2× finer wavelength resolution. Spatially resolved fast-ion profiles reveal a sharp density increase near the separatrix, consistent with orbit-following…

Fast-Ion Axial Bounce Resonance in a Linear Magnetic Fusion Device

May 2026 | S. Karbashewski | Physical Review Letters | Paper

We report observations of an energetic-particle mode (EPM) in a linear plasma device that corresponds to an axial bounce resonance of fast ions sourced from neutral-beam injection (NBI). In our experiment, novel dynamic shaping of a magnetic mirror field reduces the distance …

Verification of an energy-conserving semi-implicit electrostatic particle-in-cell scheme for modeling high-density plasma at scale

May 2026 | R.M. Hedlof (SNL) | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A verification study of a semi-implicit energy-conserving electrostatic particle-in-cell algorithm is presented. The algorithm relaxes the time-step and mesh-size constraints that require resolution of the plasma period and Debye length associated with traditional explicit momentum-conserving particle-in-cell algorithms

Advanced Beam-Driven Field-Reversed Configurations for Aneutronic Fusion

November 2025 | H. Gota | CWFEST 2025 | Presentation

TAE’s goal: p-11B aneutronic fusion Reactivity of p-11B has been reassessed
– Cross section larger than previously believed.
– Kinetic effects can further increase reactivity
– Net effect leads to ~30% increase of the fusion yield for the same…

Compact Toroid Injection into C-2W FRC

November 2025 | T. Matsumoto | 2025 US-Japan FRC Workshop | Presentation

– Two-CT injection was successfully demonstrated
– No disruption due to the injection was observed
– Plasma performance during FRC ramp-up was improved
– Diamagnetism was observed with only CTs and NBIs

Fueling Quasi Steady-State FRC Plasmas in C-2W

November 2025 | J. Barrett | 2025 US-Japan FRC Workshop | Presentation

With the genesis of Norm, a new fueling paradigm is born:
– Fueling Location Matters:
Open field lines are necessary for efficient FRC fueling.

Overview of Beam Driven FRCs at TAE

November 2025 | S. Dettrick | 2025 US-Japan FRC Workshop | Presentation

Non-inductive start-up, ramp-up, and sustainment of FRC using neutral beams. Experimental validation of Improved Tilt Stability with Neutral Beams. Neutral
Beams can drive Energetic Particle Modes in Steady State FRC. Electrode biasing improves MHD…

Electron Heating in the Fueling Region of C-2W

November 2025 | Y. Zhou | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

Fast ions confined by the FRC likely cause electrons in the FR to heat up and emit X-rays. We plan to identify the exact location of electron heating by improving the spatial resolution of the X-ray diagnostic. The X-ray diagnostic will also be used to study electron heating induced by an Electron Cyclotron Resonance…

Overview and Initial Results from the Bias Test Stand at TAE

November 2025 | W. Harris | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

The bias system in C-2W has a voltage limitation that is in-part due to arcing between electrodes. The Bias Test Stand (BTS) is a testbed built by TAE to study different electrode configurations and design features to reduce arcing.

Study of the fast-ion acceleration due to the beam-driven modes in C-2W

November 2025 | S. Kamio | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

In C-2U experiments, thermal ion acceleration by a beam-driven wave was observed [R. M. Magee et al. Nat. Phys. 15, 281–286 (2019)]. This thermal ion acceleration is pointed out to dramatically enhance the fusion rate because the beam energy is transferred to thermal ions, bypassing the electron channel…

Stability of High Beta Plasma Calculations by Monte Carlo Orbit Integration

November 2025 | C. Lau | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

CLAUS is a new non-variational eigenvalue solver, which is a modern implementation of the dispersion functional approach based on the Vlasov-Maxwell model and developed specifically for high-𝛽 plasmas with analytically intractable particle orbits.

Electrode Bias Propagation in the C-2W Fusion Research Device

November 2025 | A. Bondarenko | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

TAE Technologies’ fifth-generation fusion research device C-2W1 utilizes neutral beam injection and edge biasing to sustain long-lived, stable field reversed configuration (FRC)2 plasma embedded within a magnetic mirror.

p-11B Fusion Experiments in the Large Helical Device

November 2025 | Y. Fujiwara | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

TAE Technologies is conducting research and development aimed at realizing fusion power generation based on the proton–boron (p–11B) fusion reaction on two parallel track.

Experimental and Theoretical Progress on Beam-Driven FRCs in the C-2W Device

November 2025 | M. Nations | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

TAE Technologies’ C-2W device has achieved stable, beam-driven Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) maintained for up to 40 ms. Recent advances include real-time plasma control, enhanced fueling via pellets and compact toroids, and the commissioning of new cyclotron resonance heating systems.

C-2W’s FRC vs Mirror Plasma Characteristics with Varying Bias Voltage

November 2025 | R. Jaber | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

TAE Technologies’ current experimental device C-2W (also known as “Norman”) produces and sustains a steady state field reversed configuration plasma through neutral beam injection, edge biasing, and a robust real-time plasma control system.

Titanium Gettering: Towards a Physics Diagnostic in Norm

November 2025 | J. Barrett | APS DPP 2025 | Poster

Maintaining ultra-high vacuum is critical for sustaining high-performance field reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas in TAE’s latest fusion device—Norm [1]. Titanium gettering plays a pivotal role in maintaining vessel base pressures of 1 ” 10!” Torr or lower, suppressing impurities in the vessel…

Demonstration of FRC core fueling via pellet injection on open field lines

November 2025 | G. Koumarianou | APS DPP 2025 | Presentation

TAE Technologies experimental device “C-2W/Norm” generates beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasmas for 40 ms.
By implementing a new pellet injection geometry, we experimentally demonstrate core fueling with pellets of steady-state FRCs.

Fast-Ion Axial Bounce Resonance in the NORM Fusion Device

November 2025 | S. Karbashewski | APS DPP 2025 | Presentation

• Diagnostics, Beams, and Plasma Parameters
• Dynamic mirror shaping
• Magnetic Mirror Experiments
• Mirror-to-FRC Transition
• Multiple Fast-Ion Species
• 2D (Q2D) and 3D (WarpX) observations
• Validation of experimental results

Numerical study of FRC stabilization in C-2W with external actuators

November 2025 | R. Groenewald | APS DPP 2025 | Presentation

Overview of NORM (C-2W) Fusion Device –
NORM uses Neutral Beams and End-Biasing Systems to form and sustain either Mirror Plasmas or Field-Reversed
Configurations (FRCs) – see Roche et al., Nature Comm, 16, 3487 (2025) for NBI formed FRC report.

Generation of field-reversed configurations via neutral beam injection

November 2025 | T. Roche | APS DPP 2025 | Presentation

We report evidence of successful generation of field-reversed configuration plasmas by neutral beam injection. This is achieved by trapping the steady-state beams in an initial seed plasma, hence providing a direct source of toroidally directed energetic ion current …

Generation of field-reversed configurations via neutral beam injection

November 2025 | T. Roche | APS DPP 2025 | Paper

We report evidence of successful generation of field-reversed configuration plasmas by neutral beam injection. This is achieved by trapping the steady-state beams in an initial seed plasma, hence providing a direct source of toroidally directed energetic ion current …

Magnetic feedback control of a Field Reversed Configuration

December 2025 | J.A. Romero | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

The Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) is a highly diamagnetic plasma confinement device used in nuclear fusion research. FRC’s exhibit an internal region of weak magnetic field with ideal conditions to reach the high temperature required to burn high Z aneutronic fuels …

Probing suprathermal electrons in C-2W with x-ray energy spectra

November 2025 | Y. Zhou | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A silicon drift-detector-based pulse-height x-ray energy spectrometer has been recently deployed on C-2W to investigate the distribution of suprathermal electrons. Measurements from this spectrometer reveal x-ray photons with energies of several kiloelectronvolts …

Advanced neutral beam injection in a field-reserved configuration plasma

September 2025 | J.B. Titus | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

Neutral beam injection has been shown to create field-reversed configuration plasmas on C-2W. Recent advances in optimization and control of eight neutral beam injectors help deliver customized current drive for a plethora of plasma regimes.

Fast ion stabilization of tilt in large radius FRCs

July 2025 | R.E. Groenewald | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

The field reversed configuration (FRC) has been a curious case in plasma physics research in that early MHD analysis suggested FRCs should be
grossly unstable, while experimental results contradicted that prediction

Ion particle confinement in field-reversed configurations

June 2025 | L. Steinhauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A system for analyzing equilibria with fully kinetic ions is developed, aimed at understanding ion end-loss rates in field-reversed configurations. The method builds upon the constants of motion in energy-momentum phase space.

Generation of field-reversed configurations via neutral beam injection

April 2025 | T. Roche | Nature Communications | Paper

We report evidence of successful generation of field-reversed configuration plasmas by neutral beam injection. This is achieved by trapping the steady state beams in an initial seed plasma, hence providing a direct source of toroidally directed energetic ion current and increase plasma …

Advancing Fusion Research and Development at TAE Technologies Through INFUSE Program

March 2025 | D.K. Gupta | Fusion Science and Technology | Paper

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program
serves as a crucial catalyst by fostering public-private partnership that accelerates technological innovation for fusion energy research and development (R&D) in the private sector. …

The Field Reversed Configuration: A promising path to aneutronic fusion

November 2024 | J. Romero | HPC | Presentation

The FRC suits aneutronic fuels ideally. Norman confines FRC plasma in an accessible linear device. Feedback control maintains stable, steady-state plasma. Bayesian inference enables holistic data analysis. Machine learning accelerates commercial energy development.

Energy confinement in high-β plasmas with NB heating

October 2024 | A. Fontanilla | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

The field reversed configuration (FRC) presents a unique approach to fusion exhibiting a high degree of self-organization resulting in a high-β plasma. The FRC has been extensively studied at TAE Technologies with the C-2W experiment

Steady State FRCs with high fast ion component in the C-2W experiment

October 2024 | S. Dettrick | APS DPP 2024 | Presentation

The C-2W experiment at TAE Technologies demonstrates steady-state field-reversed configurations with enhanced plasma stability and ion heating driven by neutral beams, supported by advanced modeling and diagnostics to optimize performance.

Enhanced Ion Heating Regimes in a Beam-Driven Field-Reversed Configuration

October 2024 | M. Nations | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

Experiments on C-2W demonstrate enhanced ion heating through beam-driven waves, where fast-ion energy is directly transferred to thermal ions via wave-particle interactions, resulting in sustained high ion temperatures and improved plasma performance.

Upgraded C-2W scrape off layer helium line ratio spectroscopy system

October 2024 | J. MacFarlane | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

The upgraded helium line ratio spectroscopy system on C-2W aims to improve measurements in low-density regions, addressing challenges like gas jet divergence and enhancing diagnostics for better alignment with Thomson Scattering and interferometry data.

An Overview of Accomplishments From Experiment and Theory at TAE Technologies

October 2024 | S. Dettrick | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

TAE Technologies reports advancements in plasma performance and stability for C-2W through optimized neutral beam injection, new diagnostic tools, and enhanced modeling frameworks, demonstrating improved ion heating, extended plasma lifetimes, and effective wall conditioning.

Effective Wall Conditioning in Rapid Development Fusion Devices: the C-2W case

October 2024 | S. Vargas Giraldo | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

Wall conditioning techniques, including Glow Discharge Cleaning (GDC) and titanium arc deposition, have been essential in maintaining optimal vacuum conditions and reducing recovery time in the C-2W fusion device, supporting faster and more efficient plasma operations.

X-Ray Energy Spectra of Plasmas in C-2W

October 2024 | Y. Zhou | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

The poster presents experiments on C-2W showing that suprathermal electrons are accelerated beyond the applied bias voltage, with X-ray energy spectra confirming electron heating correlates with bias voltage and plasma gun fueling.

Self-consistent edge model of neutral beam heated high-β plasmas

October 2024 | A. Necas | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

The poster presents a self-consistent edge model of neutral beam heated high-beta plasmas, focusing on the interaction between fast ions and halo plasmas, with results showing how diffusion and charge exchange processes impact energy flow and plasma confinement.

Particle fueling via Pellet Injection in C-2W

October 2024 | G. Koumarianou | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

TAE Technologies’ C-2W device successfully uses cryogenic pellet injection to efficiently fuel advanced beam-driven FRC plasmas, showing promise for future plasma fueling systems in the upcoming Copernicus device.

Theory, control, and use of a fast ion axial bounce mode on C-2W

October 2024 | E. Granstedt | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

This paper explores the theory, control, and effects of fast ion axial bounce modes in TAE Technologies’ C-2W device, demonstrating how these resonant modes influence fast ion behavior and offering strategies for mitigating their impact through beam energy distribution.

A Statistical Analysis of Disruptions in C-2W

October 2024 | B. Sporer | APS DPP 2024 | Poster

In TAE’s C-2W machine*, a high-beta field-reversed configuration (FRC) is sustained within a magnetic mirror. Various mechanisms can cause rapid (<1 ms) collapse of the high-beta FRC state into a lower-beta mirror state, herein referred to as a plasma disruption.

Demonstration of aneutronic p-11B reaction in a magnetic confinement device

August 2024 | K. Ogawa | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

Aneutronic fusion using commonly available fuel such as hydrogen and boron 11 (11B) is one of
the most attractive potential energy sources. On the other hand, it requires 30 times higher
temperature than deuterium–tritium fusion in a thermonuclear fusion reactor condition.

RF dispersion relations in FRC geometries and HHFW regime

February 2024 | F. Ceccherini | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Field reversed configurations (FRC) are characterized by a magnetic field topology, which exhibits the inversion of the external magnetic field through plasma sustained current and the subsequent presence of a null field surface

Helicon and High Harmonic Fast Waves (HHFW) in FRCs

October 2023 | F. Ceccherini | IAEA-FEC 2023 | Poster

Plasma heating through fast waves, from ion cyclotron and high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) resonances up to helicon regime, represents a key topic in the development of a nuclear fusion device.

Optimization and feedback control of the C-2W configuration

October 2023 | J.A. Romero | IAEA-FEC 2023 | Presentation

C-2W holds a high beta FRC plasma in an easily accessible linear device. Plasma is elongated to improve performance, resulting in axial instability. Feedback control stabilizes and sustains the long plasma in steady state.

A hybrid-PIC implementation in WarpX

May 2022 | R. Groenewald | Sherwood 2023 | Poster

Enable steady-state simulations of the FRC reactor to study global stability and particle transport.

RF dispersion relations in FRC geometries and HHFW regime

May 2022 | F. Ceccherini | Sherwood 2023 | Poster

HHFW in FRC configurations requires a hot-plasma approach that can be investigated through the RFP.
First results show that energy deposition is expected to depend
strongly on parallel refractive index.

First measurements of p11B fusion in a magnetically confined plasma

February 2023 | R. Magee | Nature Communications | Paper

Proton-boron (p11B) fusion is an attractive potential energy source but technically challenging to implement. Developing techniques to realize its potential requires first developing the experimental capability to produce p11B fusion…

Bayesian inference and calibration of magnetic diagnostics

November 2022 | K. Phung | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The magnetic diagnostics across TAE Technologies’ compact toroid fusion device include 28 internal and 45 external flux loops that measure poloidal flux and axial field strength, 64 three-axis

Helium line ratio imaging in the C-2W divertor

November 2022 | E. Granstedt | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

A 2D imaging instrument has been designed and deployed on C-2W to study the plasma in the expander divertor by simultaneously measuring three neutral helium spectral lines

Helicon waves in FRC configurations

October 2022 | F. Ceccherini | APS-DPP 2022 | Poster

The full-wave code RF_Pisa has been extended to model the so-called Helicon regime. These waves are whistler-type waves with a two-branch dispersion relation.

Neutral Beam Injection on C-2W

October 2022 | J. Titus | APS-DPP 2022 | Poster

There are eight heating neutral beam injectors and one diagnostics neutral beam injector on the C-2W experiment

Density Profiles for Different Plasmas and Configurations in C-2W FRCs

October 2022 | C. Deng | APS-DPP 2022 | Poster

TAE Technologies current experimental device, record breaking, advanced beam-driven, high temperature FRC plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams, advanced divertors, end bias electrodes, and an active plasma control system.

Density Fluctuation Measurements in C-2W FRC Plasmas

October 2022 | E. Parke | APS-DPP 2022 | Poster

On C-2W (also called “Norman”) record-breaking, advanced beam-driven fieldreversed-configuration (FRC) plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state

Diagnostic Focus on C-2W Results

June 2022 | T. Roche | TOFE | Presentation

C-2W’s diagnostic suite verifies our history making FRC Fusion Reactor progress. Key diagnostics has allow progress on answering key physics questions and enhancing understanding.

Ion temperature effects on plasma flow in the magnetic mirror configuration

November 2022 | A. Sabo | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Effects of finite ion temperature on the plasma flow in the converging–diverging magnetic field, the magnetic mirror, or equivalently,
magnetic nozzle configuration are studied using a quasineutral paraxial two-fluid MHD model with isothermal electrons and warm magnetized ions.

Helium line ratio imaging in the C-2W divertor

May 2022 | E. Granstedt | HTPD | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W, concentric annular electrodes located in divertors are used for electrostatic biasing of beam-driven FRC

Bayesian Calibration Of Magnetic Diagnostics

May 2022 | K. Phung | HTPD | Poster

TAE Technologies’ C-2W experiment requires accurate measurements of magnetic fields in order to control, optimize and understand the FRC at the heart of the device.

Overview of the C-2W Experimental Program

November 2021 | T. Roche | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

TAE Technologies, Inc. (TAE) pursues an alternate approach to magnetically-confined fusion, relying on field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas.

Kinetic Simulation of Recycling Bifurcation in an Expander Divertor

November 2021 | S. Dettrick | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

An expander divertor can be used to expand the Scrape-Off-Layer flux-tube of a linear device to arbitrary size, providing reduced energy flux to the wall, increased pumping capacity, formation of a pre-sheath for electrostatic confinement of electrons, and…

The Tearing Mode in C-2W

November 2021 | M. Tobin | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

We report on the observation of axisymmetric periodic deformations of the FRC in external magnetic field and internal electron density measurements in C-2W that appear consistent with the tearing mode.

Upgraded Diagnostic Array for End Losses from C-2W’s Open Field Line Plasma

November 2021 | M. Griswold | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

An upgraded array of energy analyzers and bolometers has been installed in the divertors of C-2W to measure axial power losses as well as the electron temperature and ion energy distribution function (IEDF) of the plasma at the termination point of the open field lines. relatively large Larmor radius.

Fast Ion Doppler Spectroscopy (FIDA) in C-2W

November 2021 | L. Morton | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

We present new results from the Fast Ion D-Alpha (FIDA) on C-2W using modulation of the heating neutral beams, as an alternative to the diagnostic neutral beam.

Inferring Fast Ion Properties in the C-2W FRC

November 2021 | G. Player | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”), record breaking, advanced beam-driven FRC plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams (15 – 40 keV, total power up to 20 MW)…

Evolution and consequences of orbit type distributions in FRCs

November 2021 | F. Ceccherini | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

Field Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are characterized by particular electric and magnetic field geometries that are due to the presence of unique particle orbit types as so-called Betatron, Drift, Fig8 and Type 1 orbits.

Automated Phase Counting Corrections for the C-2W FarInfrared Interferometer

November 2021 | E. Parke | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”), record breaking, advanced beam-driven FRC plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams, advanced divertors, end bias electrodes, and…

Helium line ratio imaging in the C-2W divertor

November 2021 | E. Granstedt | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman’’)[1,2], voltages applied to
concentric annular electrodes located in divertors are used to stabilize beam-driven field reversed
configuration (FRC) plasmas.

MultiPINNs

November 2021 | C. Scott | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

Using an Ensemble of Physics-Informed Neural Networks to Generalize to Unseen Equilibria

The study of high-power electron beam transport for C-2W experiments

November 2021 | A. Tkachev | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

A high-power long pulse electron beam was created at TAE. The beam is designed to be installed in a divertor and injected axially into the C-2W FRC device [1] for additional plasma heating [2]. The beam currently operates at a test stand, and the research on beam injection through a strong magnetic field is carried out.

Tomography on C-2W: Deployment of 300-channel Bolometry System and First Results

November 2021 | A. Bondarenko | APS-DPP 2021 | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W, record breaking, advanced beam-driven FRC plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams (15 – 40 keV, total power up to 20 MW), expander divertors, end bias electrodes, and…

Simulation of equilibrium and transport in advanced FRCS

October 2021 | S.A. Dettrick | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

The advanced beam-driven FRC is a field reversed configuration (FRC) with the addition of neutral beam (NB) injection, electrode biasing, and magnetic expander divertors.

Upgraded Diagnostic Array for C-2W’s Divertor Electrodes

August 2021 | M. Griswold | OS2021 | Presentation

Original array of diagnostics on C-2W’s divertor electrodes
demonstrated the functionality of C-2W’s expander divertors:
• Measured Ambipolar Potential of 4-5 Te
• Small Debye Sheath of ~1 Te

Overview of C-2W Advanced Beam-Driven FRC experiments

August 2021 | T. Roche | OS2021 | Presentation

TAE has developed the world’s premier FRC machine
• The C-2W Project has accomplished its goals:
• Steady state operation for > 30 ms
• Plasma parameter ramp up via NB heating and current drive …

Wire calorimeter for direct neutral beam power measurements on C-2W

May 2021 | J. B. Titus | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The C-2W experiment produces advanced beam-driven field FRC plasmas, which are sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams, advanced divertors, end bias electrodes, and an active plasma
control system.

Automated signal classification in the C-2W fusion experiment

May 2021 | N. Bolte | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental fusion device, C-2W, record breaking, advanced beam-driven FRC plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable-energy neutral beams, expander divertors, end-bias electrodes, and an active plasma control system.

Comprehensive imaging of C-2W plasmas: Instruments and applications

April 2021 | E. M. Granstedt | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The C-2W device (“Norman”) [Gota et al., Nucl. Fusion 59, 112009 (2019)] has produced and sustained beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas embedded in a magnetic mirror geometry using neutral beams and end-bias electrodes located in expander divertors.

A Wire Calorimeter for Direct Measurement of Neutral Beam Injection

December 2020 | J. Titus | HTPD 2020 | Poster

Four static beams (15 keV) and four tunable beams (15-40 keV) are currently operational on C-2W. A tungsten wire calorimeter was designed with the help of a two-dimensional heat transfer model to measure injected neutral beam power.

Overview of C-2W Results and Diagnostic Systems

November 2020 | T. Roche | APS-DPP | Presentation

C-2W (or Norman) has achieved its program goals: 60+ individual diagnostic systems. 1000s of channels total utilized to obtain & verify results

Rigid motion of C-2W FRC plasma

November 2020 | K. Zhai | APS-DPP | Poster

C-2W is an advanced beam driven Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion device [1], in which plasma sustainment with total temperature at 3keV has been demonstrated.

Radiative Measurements in C-2W

November 2020 | T. DeHaas | APS-DPP | Poster

TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W, is an advanced, beam-driven, FRC with advanced divertors, end bias electrodes, and …

High power electron beam for plasma heating

November 2020 | A. Tkachev | APS-DPP | Poster

A high power electron beam for plasma heating has been developed at TAE Technologies. The electron beam is designed to provide up to 200 A

FRC Fast Ion Distribution: Effect on Equilibria

November 2020 | L. Galeotti | APS-DPP | Poster

Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) plays a critical role in TAE’s C-2W FRC device providing plasma stability, heating and current drive. C-2W produces steady-state FRCs that are stable and contain significant current and pressure from fast ions.

Fast ion D(a) diagnostic (FIDA) on C-2W

November 2020 | L. Morton | APS-DPP | Poster

Fast ions diagnostics are important for C-2W. Data from mCHERS demonstrates feasibility of FIDA measurement…

Impurity-ion rotation dynamics in C-2W

November 2020 | M. Nations | APS-DPP | Poster

Edge biasing of annular electrodes in the divertor region is routinely utilized as a boundary control technique to stabilize the FRC in the confinement vessel.

Anatomy of a field-reversed configuration

November 2020 | L. Steinhauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A reconstructor tool is developed for fast computation of fully two-dimensional equilibria of FRCs that are consistent with routine magnetic data from experiments.

Overview of TAE technologies’ HHFW project on LAPD

September 2020 | X. Yang | AIP Conference Proceedings | Paper

Simulation survey performed at TAE Technologies, has demonstrated that HHFW heating is a promising scenario to heat core electrons of FRC plasma.

Anatomy of a Field-Reversed Configuration

October 2019 | L. Steinhauer | APS-DPP | Poster

Tangibles” = inputs to Grushenka: what can be measured. Intangibles” = outputs from Grushenka: what can’t be directlymeasured

Overview of the C-2W Experimental Diagnostic Systems

October 2019 | T. Roche | APS-DPP | Poster

In TAE Technologies current experimental device, C-2W (also called Norman),1 record breaking, advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas are produced and sustained

Effect of electrode biasing on C-2W electron temperature

October 2019 | Manjit Kaur | APS-DPP | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”) [1], record-breaking,
advanced beam-driven field reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas are produced

0D Power Flow Analysis on the C-2W Device

October 2019 | R. Clary | APS-DPP | Poster

The C-2W device (aka “Norman”)[1] produces advanced beam-driven field re- versed configuration (FRC) plasmas. Variable energy neutral beam injection…

Density profiles of C-2W High Performance FRC

October 2019 | M. Beall | APS-DPP | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”) [1], record breaking, advanced beam-driven field reversed configuration (FRC)

Beam-Driven Ion-Cyclotron Modes in FRC

October 2019 | B. S. Nicks | APS-DPP | Poster

C-2U experiment: beam-driven FRC. Proton beams injected into deuterium plasma. Fast proton injection greatly enhanced DD fusion rate

Fast-ion charge-exchange losses in C-2W

October 2019 | E.M. Granstedt | APS-DPP | Poster

NB model accounts for grid size, divergence, duct loss Primary edge neutral source: plasma and neutral wall recycling. Bump in neutral density at 0.2 m

Radiative Losses from C-2W’s High-Performance FRC

October 2019 | Timothy DeHaas | APS-DPP | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C2W (also called “Norman”) [1], record breaking, advanced beam-driven field reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams,

Electrode Biasing System in C-2W

October 2019 | V. Sokolov | APS-DPP | Poster

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”) [1], record breaking, advanced beam-driven field reversed configuration plasmas

Impurity Transport in the C-2W experiment

October 2019 | D. Sheftman | APS-DPP | Poster

Reduction of impurity influx from material surfaces is essential to achieve high temperatures in fusion experiments. In the beam driven field reversed configuration C-2W device…

A Current-Vorticity Model for FRC plasma control

October 2019 | S. A. Galkin | APS-DPP | Poster

A current-vorticity MHD model and code have been developed for FRC plasma control applications in the C-2W device [1]. The model uses a flexible filtering…

Cross-separatrix simulations of turbulent transport in the field-reversed configuration

June 2019 | C.K. Lau | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

Recent local simulations of the field-reversed configuration (FRC) have reported drift-wave stability in the core and instability in the scrape-off layer (SOL). However, experimental measurements indicate the existence of fluctuations in both FRC core and SOL, with much lower amplitude fluctuations measured in the core.

Fusion reactivity of the pB11 plasma revisited

June 2019 | S.V. Putvinski | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

Fusion reactivity for the pB11 fuel has been reassessed for magnetic confinement devices. This study is based on two factors: new measurements of the fusion reaction cross-sections and an accounting of the kinetic effects that lead to the increase of the number of protons at higher energies (with respect to a pure Maxwellian).

Collisional Merging of a Field-Reversed Configuration in the FAT-CM Device

June 2019 | T. Asai | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

Collisional merging formation of field-reversed configurations (FRCs) at super Alfvénic velocity have been successfully initiated in the FAT-CM device at Nihon University. It is experimentally evidenced that the quiescent FRC profile is formed in a self-organizational manner after distructive disturbances by the super Alfvénic collision of two translated magnetized plasmoids.

Integrated Modeling of Stability and Transport of FRC Plasmas

April 2019 | A.Necas | 2019 Sherwood Fusion Theory | Poster

TAE Technologies, Inc, has an active fusion plasma research program centered around the FRC (Field Reversed Configuration) magnetic topology and the existing C-2W (aka Norman) experiment.

CAN Laser Driven Liquid-phase Transmutator Monitored Realtime by Fiber Laser

April 12, 2019 | T. Tajima | Paper

We introduce a method of transmutation of spent radioactive nuclei in a liquid molten salt solution with fusion neutrons through a series of energy enhancements from accelerated deuterons via fusion to fission. This method is a part of the partitioning & transmutation (P&T) approach for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel where P&T enables the reduction of duration and volume of the spent nuclear fuel storage.

The C-2W Experimental Device Fueling Systems Overview

October 2018 | T. Roche | APS-DPP | Poster

The experimental goals of the C-2W program are to demonstrate the ability to heat and maintain a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma to a total temperature of several keV for a period of 30 ms.

Fusion Enhancement from Bunched Ion Beams

October 2018 | B. Scott Nicks | APS-DPP | Poster

Beam-driven ion-Bernstein mode seen theoretically, exhibits wakefield character that creates similar large fast ion tail and fusion enhancement

Simulation of FRC Equilibrium and Global Stability

October 2018 | S. Dettrick | APS-DPP | Poster

Flexible control systems for all three of these actuators are available on the C-2W experiment, so we study their effects on FRC Equilibrium and Global Stability

Reconstructing FRC equilibria from experimental data

October 2018 | L. Steinhauer | APS-DPP | Poster

The magnetic structure of FRCs cannot be measured directly by existing diagnostics. A new tool “Grushenka” finds the structure based on magnetic measurements at the vessel wall.

Onset of Tilt Instability in FRC Plasmas

October 2018 | F. Ceccherini | APS-DPP | Poster

Tilt instability in FRC plasmas1 is a well-known MHD phenomenon that has been extensively investigated over the years by different authors and an empirical scaling law

Ion Flow Measurement on the C-2W Open Field Line Plasma

October 2018 | D. Sheftman | APS-DPP | Poster

Accurate operation and high performance of the open field line plasma surrounding the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) is crucial to achieving the goals of successful temperature ramp up and confinement improvement on C-2W.

Development of a three-wave far-infrared laser interferometry and polarimetry diagnostics for the C-2W FRC experiment

August 2018 | B. Deng | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

Great advancements in modern field-reversed configuration (FRC) experiments motivated the development of a 14-chord three-wave far infrared (FIR) laser interferometry and polarimetry diagnostic system, which can provide simultaneous high temporal resolution measurements of density and Faraday rotation profiles with high accuracy.

Theory of ion dynamics and heating by magnetic pumping in FRC plasma

July 2018 | J. Egedal | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A new mathematical framework is developed for efficient evaluation of ion heating during magnetic pumping of field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas. The topology of ion trajectories is examined through the use of action variables applied to a typical FRC equilibrium.

Experimental characterization of Alfven modes in a field-reversed configuration plasma

June 2018 | R.M. Magee | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

High power neutral beam injection into the C-2U advanced field-reversed configuration (FRC) stimulates at least three distinct energetic particle modes, none of which have been linked to
a performance limitation. Here we present an experimental characterization of one mode in particular, a high frequency mode ( f > fci ) observed in the decaying phase of the FRC.

A combined mmwave and CO2 interferometer on the C-2W Jet plasma

April 2018 | R. Smith | HTPD2018 | Poster

The C-2W device at TAE Technologies is now operational and represents another major step in a progression of advanced beam-driven Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) confinement devices that have prolonged the lifetime, increased the stability and have added significant neutral beam injection power to heat.

Design of a Custom Insertable Probe Platform for Measurements of C-2W Inner Divertor Plasma Parameters

April 2018 | A. DuBois | HTPD2018 | Poster

A custom motor controlled probe system has been designed to make spatially resolved measurements of temperature, density, flow, and plasma potential in the C-2W inner divertors. Measurements in the inner divertors, which have a radius of 1.7 m and are located on either end of the confinement vessel, are critical in order to gauge exactly how local settings affect the plasma conditions, confinement, and stability in the FRC core.

Coupled transport in field-reversed configurations

February 2018 | L. Steinhauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Coupled transport is the close interconnection between the cross-field and parallel fluxes in differ- ent regions due to topological changes in the magnetic field. This occurs because perpendicular transport is necessary for particles or energy to leave closed field-line regions, while parallel transport strongly affects evolution of open field-line regions.

Magnetic Diagnostic Suite of the C-2W Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment

April 2018 | T. Roche | HTPD2018 | Poster

The C-2W machine is the world’s premier Advanced Beam-Driven FRC
n Monitoring the complete magnetic evolution of the plasma is essential for
understanding the system’s dynamics
n Over 500 B-field signals are monitored to provide both post-shot analysis data and data for an advanced active feedback system.

Fast-framing camera based observations of spheromak-like plasmoid collision and merging process using two magnetized coaxial plasma gun

April 2018 | T. Matsumoto | HTPD2018 | Poster

We have been conducting compact toroid (CT) collision and merging experiments by using two magnetized
coaxial plasma guns (MCPG). As is well known, an actual CT/plasmoid moves macroscopically in a confining magnetic field. Therefore, three-dimensional measurements are important in understanding the behavior of the CTs.

Simulations of High Harmonic Fast Wave Heating on the C-2U Advanced Beam-Driven Field-Reversed Configuration Device

October 2017 | X. Yang | EPJ Web Conference | Paper

Numerous efforts have been made at Tri-Alpha Energy (TAE) to theoretically explore the physics of microwave electron heating in field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas. For the fixed 2D profiles of plasma density and temperature for both electrons and thermal ions and equilibrium field of the C-2U machine, simulations with GENRAY-C ray-tracing code have been conducted for the ratios of / ci[D] in the range of 6 – 20.

C-2W Magnetic Measurement Suite

October 2017 | T. Roche | APS-DPP | Poster

Monitoring the complete magnetic evolution of the plasma is essential for understanding the system’s dynamics. Over 1000 B-field signals are monitored to provide both post-shot analysis data and data for an advanced active feedback system under development

Multi-Wavelength Interferometry and Axial Polarimetry on C-2W

October 2017 | Roger J Smith | APS-DPP | Poster

Tri Alpha Energy’s C-2W device is operational and represents another major step in a progression of advanced beam-driven Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) confinement devices that have prolonged the lifetime, increased stability and added significant neutral beam injection power to heat and sustain an FRC plasma.

Bayesian Inference of an FRC

October 2017 | J.A. Romero | APS-DPP | Poster

FRC physics understanding benefits from advanced scientific analysis tools such as Bayesian analysis, which allow comparison of various physics models according to their data evidence.

Studies on Plasmoid Merging using Compact Toroid Injectors

October 2017 | I. Allfrey | APS-DPP | Poster

C-2 and C-2U experiments [1] have used magnetized coaxial plasma guns (MCPG) to inject compact toroids (CTs) for refueling the long-lived advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma [2].

Numerical study of HHFW heating in FRC Plasmas

October 2017 | Francesco Ceccherini | APS-DPP | Poster

The Tri Alpha Energy (TAE) code RF-Pisa is a Finite Larmor Radius (FLR) full wave code developed through the years to study RF heating in the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) in both the ion and electron cyclotron regimes.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE C-2W PLASMA GUNS

October 2017 | Ami M. Dubois | APS-DPP | Poster

Previous use of coaxial arc discharge plasma guns on the C-2U device exhibited great success in plasma stabilization and improved confinement.

Magnetohydrodynamic transport characterization of a Field Reversed Configuration

September 2017 | M. Onofri | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

The transport phenomenon of a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) is studied using the newly developed two-dimensional code Q2D, which couples a magnetohydrodynamic code with a Monte Carlo code for the beam component. The simulation by Q2D of the transport parallel to the simple open h-pinch fields and its associated outflow phenomenon shows an excellent agreement with one of the leading theories, elevating the Q2D validity and simultaneously deepening the theoretical understanding of this fundamental process.

Drift-wave stability in the field-reversed configuration

August 2017 | C. K. Lau | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Gyrokinetic simulations of C-2-like field-reversed configuration (FRC) find that electrostatic drift- waves are locally stable in the core. The stabilization mechanisms include finite Larmor radius effects, magnetic well (negative grad-B), and fast electron short circuit effects.

Compact Toroid Injection Fueling in a Large Field-Reversed Configuration

May 2017 | T. Asai | Nuclear Fusion | Paper

A repetitively driven compact toroid (CT) injector has been developed for the large eld- reversed con guration (FRC) facility of the C-2/C-2U, primarily for particle refueling. A CT is formed and injected by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) exclusively developed for the C-2/C-2U FRC.

C-2U Physics Overview

May 2017 | A. Necas | The Sherwood Fusion Theory Conference | Poster

C-2U is a unique hybrid field-reversed configuration (FRC) where we successfully combine a high-beta (~1) FRC plasma with neutral beam injection (NBI), field line biasing, and mirror physics.

Equilibrium properties of hybrid field reversed configurations

January 2017 | M. Tuszewski | Physics of Plasma | Paper

Field Reversed Configurations (FRCs) heated by neutral beam injection may include a large fast ion pressure that significantly modifies the equilibrium. A new analysis is required to characterize such hybrid FRCs, as the simple relations used up to now prove inaccurate.

Entrepreneurial spirit and fusion research

January 2017 | GOTA Hiroshi | The Journal of the Japan Society of Plasma Science and Nuclear Fusion Research | Paper

TAE Technologies is one of the companies that conduct fusion research in the entrepreneurial approach. It is often asked why and how such research in the large scale and long range may be carried out based on private funds. English version included.

Suppressed ion-scale turbulence in a hot high-beta plasma

December 2016 | L. Schmitz | Nature Communications | Paper

An economic magnetic fusion reactor favours a high ratio of plasma kinetic pressure to magnetic pressure in a well-confined, hot plasma with low thermal losses across the confining magnetic field.

FPIC Study of the n=1 Toroidal Mode in FRC Plasmas

October 2016 | Francesco Checcerini | APS-DPP | Poster

The goal of TAE’s experiments is to sustain through the of use of neutral beam heating and edge biasing an advanced beam-driven FRC for many milliseconds, i.e., well beyond the growth times of common instabilities.

C-2U Field Reversed Configuration Experiment

October 2016 | Artem Smirnov and Richard Magee | APS-DPP | Presentation

Provide fast learning cycles and large experimental dataset. Demonstrate sustainment via Neutral Beam Injection for > 5ms with high repeatability.

Design of Thomson Scattering System on C-2W

October 2016 | Kan Zhai | APS-DPP | Poster

C-2W is an upgraded experiment from C-2U and is now under construction at TAE for parameters ramping up with higher plasma temperature and longer plasma time.

C-2U Experimental Transport Analysis

October 2016 | Erik Trask | APS-DPP | Poster

Upgrades of the experimental facility at TAE Technologies have led to record Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) performance on the C-2U device.

Measurements of Energy Loss in the Scrape-Off Layer of C-2U

October 2016 | M.E. Griswold | APS-DPP | Poster

An end loss analyzer system (ELA) was developed to study thermal transport on the open field lines that surround the advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) core of the C-2U experiment.

Diagnostic suite of the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment

August 2016 | M. C. Thompson | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The C-2U experiment at Tri Alpha Energy studies the evolution of field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas sustained by neutral beam injection. Data on the FRC plasma performance are provided by a comprehensive suite of diagnostics that includes magnetic sensors, interferometry, Thomson scattering, spectroscopy, bolometry, reflectometry, neutral particle analyzers, and fusion product detectors.

High sensitivity far infrared laser diagnostics for the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasmas

August 2016 | B. H. Deng | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

A high sensitivity multi-channel far infrared laser diagnostics with switchable interferometry and polarimetry operation modes for the advanced neutral beam-driven C-2U field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas is described. The interferometer achieved superior resolution of 1 ⇥ 1016 m 2 at >1.5 MHz bandwidth, illustrated by measurement of small amplitude high frequency fluctuations.

Jet outflow and open field line measurements on the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment

August 2016 | D. Sheftman | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

Knowledge and control of the axial outflow of plasma particles and energy along open-magnetic-field lines are of crucial importance to the stability and longevity of the advanced beam-driven field- reversed configuration plasma. An overview of the diagnostic methods used to perform measurements on the open field line plasma on C-2U is presented, including passive Doppler impurity spectroscopy, microwave interferometry, and triple Langmuir probe measurements.

Hanle effect as a magnetic diagnostics for field-reversed configuration plasmas

August 2016 | D. K. Gupta | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

Hanle effect is presented as a low magnetic-field diagnostic for field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas. The non-perturbative technique is capable of measuring not only magnetic-field pro- file and direction but also field-null position and its shape.

End loss analyzer system for measurements of plasma flux at the C-2U divertor electrode

August 2016 | M. E. Griswold | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

An end loss analyzer system consisting of electrostatic, gridded retarding-potential analyzers and pyroelectric crystal bolometers was developed to characterize the plasma loss along open field lines to the divertors of C-2U. The system measures the current and energy distribution of escaping ions as well as the total power flux to enable calculation of the energy lost per escaping electron/ion pair.

First fast-ion D-alpha (FIDA) measurements and simulations on C-2U

August 2016 | N. G. Bolte | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The first measurements of fast-ion D-alpha (FIDA) radiation have been acquired on C-2U, Tri Alpha Energy’s advanced, beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC). These measurements are also forward modeled by FIDASIM. This is the first measurement and simulation of FIDA carried out on an FRC topology.

Absolute calibration of neutron detectors on the C-2U advanced beam-driven FRC

August 2016 | R. M. Magee | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

In the C-2U fusion energy experiment, high power neutral beam injection creates a large fast ion population that sustains a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma. The diagnosis of the fast ion pressure in these high-performance plasmas is therefore critical, and the measurement of the flux of neutrons from the deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fusion reaction is well suited to the task.

Fast imaging diagnostics on the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration device

August 2016 | E. M. Granstedt | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The C-2U device employed neutral beam injection, end-biasing, and various particle fueling tech- niques to sustain a Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasma. As part of the diagnostic suite, two fast imaging instruments with radial and nearly axial plasma views were developed using a common camera platform.

Enhanced magnetic field probe array for improved excluded flux calculations on the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment

August 2016 | T. Roche | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

External flux conserving coils were installed onto the exterior of the C-2U confinement vessel to increase the flux confinement time of the system. The 0.5 in. stainless steel vessel wall has a skin time of ⇠5 ms. The addition of the external copper coils e↵ectively increases this time to ⇠7 ms.

Characterization of compact-toroid injection during formation, translation, and field-penetration

July 2016 | T. Matsumoto | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

We have developed a compact toroid (CT) injector system for particle refueling of the advanced beam- driven C-2U field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma. The CT injector is a magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG), and the produced CT must cross the perpendicular magnetic field surrounding the FRC for the refueling of C-2U.

A mass resolved, high resolution neutral particle analyzer for C-2U

July 2016 | Ryan Clary | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

C-2U is a high-confinement, advanced beam driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment which sustains the configuration for >5 ms, in excess of typical MHD and fast particle instability times, as well as fast particle slowing down times.

Innovative high-gain optically pumped far-infrared laser

July 2016 | B. Deng | Applied Optics | Paper

A new optically pumped far-infrared (FIR) laser with separate pump beam reflector and FIR output coupler has been developed. The new design greatly simplifies the tuning of the laser and enables the optimization of the pump beam absorption without affecting the laser alignment.

A Mass Resolved, High Resolution Neutral Particle Analyzer for C-2U

June 2016 | R. Clary | HTPD | Poster

C-2U is a high-confinement, advanced beam driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma which sustains the configuration for > 5 ms, in excess of typical MHD and fast particle instability times, as well as fast particle slowing down times.

Jet Outflow and Open Field Line Measurements on C-2U Device

June 2016 | Daniel Sheftman | HTPD | Poster

Knowledge and control of the axial outflow of plasma particles and energy along open field lines are of crucial importance to the stability and longevity of advanced beam-driven FRC plasma.

Transport studies in high-performance field reversed configuration plasmas

May 2016 | S. Gupta | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A significant improvement of field reversed configuration (FRC) lifetime and plasma confinement times in the C-2 plasma, called High Performance FRC regime, has been observed with neutral beam injection (NBI), improved edge stability, and better wall conditioning.

Gyrokinetic simulation of driftwave instability in field-reversed configuration

May 2016 | Daniel Fulton | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Following the recent remarkable progress in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability control in the C-2U advanced beam driven field-reversed configuration (FRC), turbulent transport has become one of the foremost obstacles on the path towards an FRC-based fusion reactor.

Control of ion gyroscale fluctuations via electrostatic biasing and sheared E×B flow in the C-2 field reversed configuration

March 2016 | L. Schmitz | AIP Conference Proceedings | Paper

Control of radial particle and thermal transport is instrumental for achieving and sustaining well-confined high-β plasma in a Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). Radial profiles of low frequency ion gyro-scale density fluctuations (0.5 ≤ kρs ≤ 40), consistent with drift- or drift-interchange modes, have been measured in the scrape-off layer (SOL) and core of the C-2 Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC), together with the toroidal ExB velocity.

Robustness of waves with a high phase velocity

March 2016 | T. Tajima | AIP Conference Proceedings | Paper

Norman Rostoker pioneered research of (1) plasma-driven accelerators and (2) beam-driven fusion reactors. The collective acceleration, coined by Veksler, advocates to drive above-ionization plasma waves by an electron beam to accelerate ions. The research on this, among others, by the Rostoker group incubated the idea that eventually led to the birth of the laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), by which a large and robust accelerating collective fields may be generated in plasma in which plasma remains robust and undisrupted.

Recent breakthroughs on C-2U: Norman’s legacy

March 2016 | Michl Binderbauer | AIP Publishing | Paper

The Norman Rostoker Memorial Symposium honored the late Professor Norman Rostoker for his legacy and contributions to TAE, UC Irvine, and to the field of fusion-powered electricity.

End loss analyzer system for measurements of plasma flux at the C-2U divertor electrode

March 2016 | M. E. Griswold | AIP Conference Proceedings | Paper

An end loss analyzer system was developed to study thermal transport on the open field lines that surround the advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) core of the C-2U experiment. The system is mounted directly to the divertor electrode and consists of gridded retarding-potential analyzers that measure ion current density and ion energy as well as pyroelectric crystal bolometers that measure the total power flux.

Overview of C-2U FRC Experimental Program and Plans for C-2W

October 2016 | Hiroshi Gota | EPR2016 | Poster

The experimental program at TAE Technologies has been focused on a demonstration of reliable field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation and sustainment, driven by fast ions via high-power neutral-beam (NB) injection.

Gyrokinetic particle simulation of a field reversed configuration

January 2016 | D. Fulton | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Gyrokinetic particle simulation of the field-reversed configuration (FRC) has been developed using the gyrokinetic toroidal code (GTC). The magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium is mapped from cylindrical coordinates to Boozer coordinates for the FRC core and scrape-off layer (SOL), respectively.

A high performance field-reversed configuration

May 2015 | M. Binderbauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Conventional field-reversed configurations (FRCs), high-beta, prolate compact toroids embedded in poloidal magnetic fields, face notable stability and confinement concerns.

Improved Confinement of C-2 Field Reversed Configuration Plasmas

February 2015 | H. Gota | Fusion Science and Technology | Paper

C-2 is a unique, large compact-toroid (CT) device at TAE Technologies that produces field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas by colliding and merging oppositely directed CTs. Significant progress has recently been made on C-2, achieving ,5 ms stable plasmas with a dramatic improvement in confinement, far beyond the prediction from the conventional FRC scaling.

Development of Compact Toroid Injector for C-2 FRCs

October 30, 2014 | T. Matsumoto | APS-DPP | Poster

A collaborative research project with TAE Technologies has been started and we have developed a new compact toroid (CT) injector for the C-2 device, mainly for fueling field-reversed configurations (FRCs).

Transport study of the C-2 FRC plasma

October 2014 | M. Onofri | APS-DPP | Poster

The 2D transport code Q2D is used to study transport in the C-2 Field Reversed Configuration with neutral beam injection.

C-2 Lithium Campaign Power Balance

October 2014 | E. Trask | APS-DPP | Poster

Several key changes have led to record performance of the TAE Technologies C-2 Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) device.

VUV Spectra Observed in C-2 FRC Plasma

October 2014 | D. Osin | APS-DPP | Poster

Observation and analysis of broad range spectra allow one to identify impurities, determine charge state distribution and estimate radiative power losses from the core plasma.

Hybrid MHD Model for a Driven, Ion-Current FRC

October 2014 | H.U. Rahman | IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science | Paper

A standard magnetohydrodynamic code, MACH2 [1], is modified in 1-D to account for two-fluid behavior, to include the effects of a finite-electric field during the formation of a driven, field-reversed configuration (FRC).

Some Key Achievements on the C-2 Device

September 2014 | M. Tuszewski | PPPL Colloquium | Presentation

Hybrid FRCs successfully produced in C-2 device. HPF breakthrough. Improved FRC stability and confinement. FRC sustainment techniques developed.

Fusion proton diagnostic for the C-2 field reversed configuration

August 2014 | R. Magee | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

Measurements of the flux of fusion products from high temperature plasmas provide valuable insights into the ion energy distribution, as the fusion reaction rate is a very sensitive function of ion energy.

Overview of C-2 field-reversed configuration experiment plasma diagnostics

August 2014 | H. Gota | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

A comprehensive diagnostic suite for field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas has been developed and installed on the C-2 device at TAE Technologies to investigate the dynamics of FRC formation as well as to understand key FRC physics properties, e.g., confinement and stability, throughout a discharge.

Test ion transport in a collisional, field-reversed configuration

July 2014 | T. Roche | Plasma Sources Science and Technology | Paper

Diffusion of test-ions in a flux-coil generated, collisional, field-reversed configuration is measured via time-resolved tomographic reconstruction of Ar+ optical emission in the predominantly nitrogen plasma.

Hybrid magneto-hydrodynamic simulation of a driven FRC

June 2014 | H.U. Rahman | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

We simulate a field-reversed configuration (FRC), produced by an “inductively driven” FRC experiment; comprised of a central-flux coil and exterior-limiter coil. To account for the plasma kinetic behavior, a standard 2-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic code is modified to preserve the azimuthal, two-fluid behavior.

Rotational stability a long field-reversed configuration

February 2014 | D. Barnes | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Rotationally driven modes of long systems with dominantly axial magnetic field are considered. We apply the incompressible model and order axial wavenumber small. A recently developed gyro-viscous model is incorporated. A one-dimensional equilibrium is assumed, but radial profiles are arbitrary.

FRC Stability Study with NIMROD and HYM Codes

November 2013 | A. Necas | APS-DPP | Poster

Gyroviscous (GV) stress for weakly magnetized plasma has been implemented in the NIMROD code to study Hall and FLR effects on FRC stability with emphasis on the rotational modes.

C-2 Overview and Future Plan on C-2 Upgrade

September 2013 | H. Gota | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

Demonstration of a High Performance FRC (HPF) regime by combining effects of edge-biasing from end-on plasma guns and of neutral-beam injection.

Overview of C-2 Compact Toroid Merging Experiments

August 2013 | H. Guo | GA Seminar | Presentation

Simple geometry for ease of construction & maintenance. C-2 achieved new High Confinement Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) regime with dramatically improved stability & confinement.

Rotational Stability of FRC

April 2013 | D. Barnes | Sherwood Fusion Theory | Presentation

Mode is driven by rotation. Rotation provides fictitious outward gravity. Rayleigh-Taylor-like heavy-on-light instability.

Overview of C-2 Experiments

February 2013 | H. Guo | EPR Workshop | Presentation

FRC offers an ideal configuration for an economic reactor and may allow use of aneutronic fuels.

High Performance Field-Reversed Configurations in the C-2 Device

November 2012 | H. Gota | APS-DPP | Poster

A high temperature, stable, long-lived field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma state has been produced in the C-2 device by dynamically colliding and merging two oppositely directed compact toroids, by biasing edge plasma near the FRC separatrix from a plasma-gun (PG) located at one end of the C-2 device, and by neutral-beam (NB) injection.

FRC edge physics using NIMROD

November 2012 | A. Necas | APS-DPP | Poster

We have studied issues related to edge physics of the HPF regime FRC [1] ” using the NIMROD extended MHD code [2].

Thomson Scattering, Interferometry and Polarimetry on C-2

September 2012 | B. Deng | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

The 9 point Thomson scattering diagnostic system is routinely providing Te profile measurements in C-2. Density profile measurement capability is being developed.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Neutral Beam Injection in C-2

September 2012 | S. Dettrick | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

Without magnetic perturbations, NBI energy confinement time is ~500ms. Most NBI energy goes on heating electrons. Supports the interpretation of HPF results.

Overview of C-2 Experiments

September 2012 | H. Guo | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

C-2 achievement new HPF regime with dramatically improved stability & confinement. Developed effective means to control stability and transport.

Neutral Beam Injection in the C-2 Facility

September 2012 | A. Smirnov | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

A versatile, robust and highly reliable NBI system was built, tested and integrated with the C-2 experiment. NBI improves the plasma performance.

FRC Control with Plasma Guns

September 2012 | M. Tuszewski | US-Japan CT Workshop | Presentation

Most plasma gun potential is realized. Good communication with FRC. Plasma gun provides E, Control and line-tying. Improved FRC Stability (rotational modes)

Long-path second-harmonic interferometer with nanosecond time resolution: reliable diagnostic tool for electron density measurement in pulsed plasma devices

September 2012 | T. Del Rosso | Optics Letters | Paper

We describe the performance of a second-harmonic interferometer (SHI) to measure, on an optical path exceeding 12 m, the electron plasma density of two plasmoids formed in separate theta-pinch chambers and then merged in a central compression chamber after undergoing acceleration and compression.

Rotation Studies on the C-2 FRC Experiment

November 2011 | D. Gupta | APS-DPP | Poster

Although high rotation velocity in a FRC may lead to rotational instabilities, it is also believed that shear flow helps in improving FRC stability and transport.

Fast ion diagnostics for the C-2 experiment

November 2011 | S. Korepanov | APS-DPP | Poster

One of the goals of the C-2 experiment [1,2] is to explore FRC sustainment and current drive from neutral beam injection. Studies of the relaxation and confinement of hot anisotropic ions created by the neutral beams are considered to be key elements of the experimental research program.

Edge Biasing Experiment in C-2 FRC (Field Reverse Configuration)

November 2011 | X. Sun | APS-DPP | Poster

Edge biasing has long been used in various fusion devices to actively control the plasma potential profile in order to suppress radial transport by decorrelating density and potential fluctuations through flow shear.

C-2 Fast Ion Studies

October 2011 | A. Smirnov | PPPL Seminar | Presentation

The merged FRCs in C-2 are suitable for high powered neutral beam injection (NBI) experiments. A versatile, robust and highly reliable NBI system was built.

Combined FRC and mirror plasma studies in the C-2 device

January 2011 | M. Tuszewski | Transactions of Fusion Science and Technology | Paper

The Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) is a high-beta Compact Toroid that includes closed and open field line regions of poloidal magnetic field.

Internal Magnetic Field Measurement on C-2 FRC Plasma

November 2010 | H. Gota | APS-DPP | Poster

Three-axis internal magnetic probes are being developed to measure simultaneously Bz, Bt and Br of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma from the geometric axis (r=0) to outside of the separatrix in C-2.

Neutral Beam Dump Utilizing Cathodic Arc Titanium Evaporation

June 2010 | A. Smirnov | Open Systems | Presentation

Unlike tokamaks, where the neutral beam shine through is rarely an issue, open magnetic systems with neutral beam injection oftentimes suffer from incomplete beam capture, which necessitates the handling of the shine through power load and beam particle recycling.

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