Pulsed-inductive thruster

The Flux-Coil-Generated, Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment (FCX) at Tri Alpha Energy, Inc. (TAE) requires an initial source of plasma, from which the FRC is formed. This paper details the design, simulation, and performance measured for a new set of PITs developed for the FCX. The simulation solves coupled differential equations for the circuit, plasma parameters, including formation and acceleration. The PIT construction involves: 5 gas valves, a 2-stage Marx generator capacitor bank, a low-inductance parallel-plate transmission line and a H.V. feedthrough. The system delivers a 2.5 us, 1/4 period pulse and 1 Ohm impedance. Measurements at the surface of the PIT indicate: n = 10¹⁴-10¹⁵ cm^-3, Ti = 30 eV, Vi = 100 eV. Measurements 1-m downstream indicate: n = 10¹²-10¹⁴ cm^-3, temperature, Ti = 10 eV, and total plasma energy content, Wp = 30 J, which are adequate for the FCX.