Preliminary experimental results with the coaxial slow source

A Coaxial Slow Source was constructed to generate a Field Reversed configuration (FRC) on a slow (slower than Alfve'n transit time) time scale. The machine consists of a regular FRC configuration, with an additional Theta coil in the center supplying reversed flux from the inside of this inner coil. With this source successful generation of field reversal configuration has been achieved over a wide range of parameters. Termination occurs either by inner wall contact, arising from decay of inner coil current coupled with high resistivity, due to impurities, or by some form of MHD instabilities. Near term plans include modification of inner coil circuit, and improved impurity control measures