Method and apparatus for generating and utilizing a compound plasma configuration

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by discharging a high energy voltage through a fuel atmosphere ionized in a helical path to form a helical current path. This helical current subsequently develops into a toroidal current forming the kernel of a compound plasma configuration. In addition to ohmic heating by currents induced by the kernel fields, the high temperature of the plasma kernel ionizes the surrounding atmosphere to develop a mantle of charged particles surrounding the plasma kernel which is susceptible to compression by mechanical forces. The apparatus for carrying out these steps also includes a system for applying fluid pressure to the resulting compound plasma configuration for the purpose of compressing the plasma mechanically. Alternative methods and apparatuses are also disclosed