Plasma Physics
7 terms
Magnetic Confinement
Plasma Physics
Dimensionless Ratio (Plasma Beta β)
The trapping of high-temperature fusion plasma using intense magnetic fields that exert Lorentz forces to prevent plasma particles from contacting container walls.
β = p / (B² / (2 μ₀)) = 2 μ₀ n k_B T / B²
Magnetic Helicity & Taylor Relaxation
Plasma Physics
Wb² (Magnetic Helicity Units)
A topological invariant measuring the linking, twisting, and tangling of magnetic flux lines in a closed plasma volume.
K = ∭ A · B dV, ∇ × B = μ B (Taylor State)
Magnetic Mirror
Plasma Physics
Dimensionless Mirror Ratio B_max / B_min
A magnetic confinement configuration where converging magnetic field lines reflect charged particles back toward regions of weaker magnetic field.
Sin²(θ_loss) = B_min / B_max (Loss Cone Angle)
Magnetic Reconnection
Plasma Physics
MW or Joules (Energy Conversion)
A fundamental plasma process where opposing magnetic field lines break and explosively reconnect, releasing stored magnetic field energy into kinetic and thermal particle energy.
E_reconnection ≈ M_A v_A B (Alfvénic Reconnection Rate)
Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF)
Plasma Physics
Hybrid Density & Time Scale
A hybrid fusion approach that combines magnetic confinement thermal insulation with rapid mechanical or laser inertial compression.
Hybrid MTF: Density n ~ 10²⁴ m⁻³, Confinement Time τ_E ~ 1 μs–1 ms
Magnetohydrodynamics
Plasma Physics
MHD Equations Framework
The fluid framework describing the macroscopic dynamics and magnetic field interactions of electrically conducting fluids and magnetized plasmas.
∂B / ∂t = ∇ × (v × B) + η ∇²B, ρ (dv/dt) = -∇p + J × B + ρ g
Magnetron Sputtering
Plasma Physics
nm/s (Deposition Rate)
A physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique utilizing magnetically confined glow discharge plasma to sputter target material onto substrates.
E × B Electron Trapping drift path near cathode target