Major Next Step for FRCs
A major next step is at least 4 years off.
- Justified by achieving metrics listed on previous slide
- Should develop better theoretical understanding of stability
Next step would stress high plasma temperatures and long pulse operation
- keV ion and electron temperatures
- tens of msec confinement times
- flux sustainment, refueling, and recycling
Two options for next step
- Extension of TCS to higher fields and longer pulse times
- Build completely new device at UW or DOE laboratory