US3624240A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Feedback stabilization of a magnetically confined plasma
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1970-03-24
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Granted: 1971-11-30
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Expires: 1990-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A high-temperature plasma is produced by the injection and trapping of energetic particles in a magnetic field containment zone. Detectors are arranged proximate to the plasma to detect electrostatic or electromagnetic signals produced by instabilities in the plasma containment system. The detected signals are amplified and shifted in phase either positively or negatively with respect to the instability oscillation and are then utilized to modulate an energetic particle beam which is then directed into the plasma containment zone wherein the modulation component of the injected beam interacts with the plasma to minimize or eliminate the instability oscillation of the plasma. Stable containment of the plasma is thereby promoted.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles C Damm
- 👤 Richard F Post
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:20
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/02; H05H1/22; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least said one source for directing a beam of energetic particles into said containment zone is a charged particle source and which creates a beam of energetic charged particles which is directed into said containment zone.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least said one source for directing a beam of energetic particles into the containment zone includes an ion source in combination with a neutralizer through which a beam of ions from said ion source is directed to be neutralized to form a beam of energetic neutral particles which is directed into said containment zone to be ionized and trapped therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein there is included phase shifting means operatively coupled to said probe means and delivering a signal shifted in phase to said amplifying means so that a degenerative modulation component is applied to said beam of energetic neutral particles for opposing said localized oscillatory variations in the plasma density and position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the phase shift provided by said phase shifting means is in the range of about 45* to about 315* out of phase with said oscillatory variations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the output of said signal amplifying means is applied to a solenoidal coupling coil arranged concentrically about the path of said ion beam for modulating said beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the output of said signal amplifying means is applied to a cylindrical tubular electrode mounted concentrically about the path of said ion beam for modulating said beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said phase shifting means shifts the phase of said signal to the range of 90* to 270* out of phase with respect to said oscillatory variations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said phase shifting means shifts the phase of said signal to the range of 90* to 270* out of phase with respect to said oscillatory variations.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said magnetic field includes a locale of unfavorable line curvatures at which plasma penetration is more likely and wherein said probe means is disposed in proximity to said locale.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-29 | 1975-05-31 | 1975-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-29 | 1979-05-31 | 1979-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-29 | 1983-05-31 | 1983-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |