Formation of a compact torus by a rotating relativistic electron beam

Abstract

A closed field-reversed configuration has been produced by a long pulse duration (≅ 500 nsec) intense electron beam injected into hydrogen gas. The field reversal is created by the beam current during the duration of beam propagation, but is sustained by the beam-induced plasma currents after the exit of the beam. Reconnection of the antiparallel field lines has been observed, which results in formation of a prolate spheroid. The axial extent of the spheroid is 80.0 cm. It contracts immediately after its formation with the supersonic velocity. Attempts were made to close axial currents along the closed poloidal field lines.