Status of the Field-Reversed Configuration as an Alternate Confinement Concept

The status and main issues of field-reversed configuration research are briefly reviewed. The unusual fusion reactor potential of these plasmas is also described, in particular for systems that would burn D-³He fuels. The field-reversed configuration is ideal for possible use of advanced fuels because it has a very high plasma beta and because its simple geometry includes a natural divertor that should allow efficient direct conversion.