Abstract This invention relates to a fusion reactor of the magnetic mirror type having a plasma trap defined by relatively widely spaced field lines, and end regions closed substantially by said field lines. Plasma leakage from the trap occurs primarily through the end regions inasmuch as the plasma particles tend to follow the field lines instead of moving transversely thereto. Electrostatic reflectors serve to reflect particles that have escaped from the plasma trap via the end regions back thereinto along the escape paths, these electrostatic reflectors taking the form of positively and negatively charged field-forming electrodes arranged in tandem such that positively charged plasma particles will be reflected by one electrode and negatively charged particles will be reflected by the other.
The reactor of claim 1 in which said first and second means are electrostatic and, respectively, establish electrostatic surfaces in space which are transverse to and intercepted by the flux lines of said magnetic field.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
The reactor of claim 2 in which the second means is impervious to particles of said one charge, said second means including a surface at a potential opposite in polarity to said one charge thereby serving as a collector thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The reactor of claim 3 in which saId magnetic trap is axially symmetric, and including two ground-potential electrodes disposed at said boundary regions, respectively, between said first-mentioned electrodes and said plasma-trapping regions, said ground-potential electrodes being pervious to the flow of particles of both charges therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The reactor of claim 4 in which said ground-potential electrodes each have an aperture coaxial with respect to said axis, and means for applying a positive potential to said first-mentioned electrodes and a negative potential to said additional electrodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
127 words
The reactor of claim 5 including an elongated cylindrical vessel for providing an evacuated space, solenoid means disposed about said vessel to provide said magnetic trap thereinside, said ground-potential electrodes each including a relatively flat conductor having an opening in the center which is coaxial with respect to said axis, said ground-potential electrodes being positioned in the opposite end portions of said vessel, respectively, at right angles to said axis, said first-mentioned electrodes being in the opposite ends of said vessel and spaced outwardly from the respective ground-potential electrodes, said additional electrodes also being in the opposite ends of said vessel spaced outwardly from the respective first-mentioned electrodes, said first-mentioned and said additional electrodes being insulated from each other, and means for applying potentials to said electrodes.