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Wave-Driven Rotation in Supersonically Rotating Mirrors

Abraham J. Fetterman, Nathaniel J. Fisch

Fusion Science and Technology / Volume 57 / Number 4 / May 2010 / Pages 343-350

Technical Paper / dx.doi.org/10.13182/FST10-A9496

Supersonic rotation in mirrors may be produced by radio-frequency waves. The waves produce coupled diffusion in ion kinetic and potential energy. A population inversion along the diffusion path then produces rotation. Waves may be designed to exploit a natural kinetic energy source or may provide the rotation energy on their own. Centrifugal traps for fusion and isotope separation may benefit from this wave-driven rotation.