Gas-Dynamic Multiple-Mirror Trap GDMT

Abstract

This work is devoted to the project of a new-generation open trap, gas-dynamic multiple-mirror trap (GDMT), proposed at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. The aim of the project is to substantiate the possibility of using open traps as thermonuclear systems: a source of neutrons and, in the future, a thermonuclear reactor. The main objectives of the project are to develop technologies for long-term plasma maintenance in an open trap, optimize neutron source parameters based on the gas-dynamic trap, and demonstrate methods for improving plasma confinement. The magnetic vacuum system of the facility consists of a central trap, multiple-mirror sections that improve the longitudinal plasma confinement, and expanders designed to accommodate plasma flux absorbers. The facility is to be built in several stages. The starting configuration is broadly similar to the GDT facility and includes a central trap with strong magnetic mirrors and expanders. It solves two main problems: optimization of the parameters of the neutron source based on the gas-dynamic trap and study of the physics of the transition to the configuration of a diamagnetic trap with a high relative pressure β ≈ 1, which significantly increases the efficiency of the system. This work describes the technical design of the starting configuration of the facility and outlines the physical principles on which the GDMT project is based.