Field-Reversed Configuration Induced by a Paramagnetic Field

This paper discusses the possibility of paramagnetic field induction inside a partially ionized and weakly magnetized plasma. The paramagnetic field is driven by the azimuthal E_r × B drift, where the radial electric field E_r is established as a result of the separation of charged particles induced by axial electron beam injection. Inside the partially ionized and weakly magnetized plasma, the E_r × B drift can induce a paramagnetic field B_p with an intensity exceeding that of the external magnetic field B_z. The interaction of these two fields establishes a field-reversed configuration (FRC). The toroidal component of the magnetic field B_tor (produced by an axially directed electron beam) is weak when compared with the B_p field. As a result, the proposed device can be treated as having an FRC.