mirror confinement

physics

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June 30, 2026

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Mirror confinement is a method used in controlled fusion research to contain plasma. It utilizes a magnetic field that is stronger at the ends of a linear device, acting like a "magnetic mirror" to reflect charged particles back into the central region. This prevents particles from escaping out the ends.12

However, particles moving too fast along the field lines can still escape. To address this, electrostatic fields are added at the ends, creating a barrier that further inhibits particle leakage. This combined approach aims to create a stable equilibrium for the plasma, a crucial step for achieving fusion.23

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fusion reactor
Mirror confinement
An alternative approach to magnetic confinement is to employ a straight configuration in which the end loss is reduced by a combination of magnetic and electric plugging. In such a linear fusion reactor the magnetic field strength is increased at the ends. Charged…
Read More
An alternative approach to magnetic confinement is to employ a straight configuration in which the end loss is reduced by a combination of magnetic and electric plugging. In such a linear fusion reactor the magnetic field strength is increased at the ends. Charged…
Read More