Prospects for an axisymmetric advanced fuel tandem mirror

We describe a new axisymmetric tandem mirror concept which incorporates advances in physics understanding, recent experimental results and developing technologies. The tandem mirror concept consists of two small high magnetic field axisymmetric mirrors at the ends a solenoidal central cell which axially confines a high beta fusion plasma. High energy neutral beam Injection and high frequency electron cyclotron heating power are applied to the end cells which operate at higher density and temperature to provide both magnetic mirror as well as electrostatic axial plasma confinement of the ignited central cell plasma. Designs fueled with DT and, cat-DD are considered indicating a wide design space warranting further analysis as well as experimental investigations.