What Causes Loss of Particles in a Magnetic Mirror?

In summary, the highest loss of particles in a magnetic mirror occurs when they have a higher parallel component to the field lines than a higher perpendicular. This is due to the small force parallel to the axis that repels the particles away from the tip of the cone and causes them to "mirror" and bounce back. The magnetic force opposing the particles also increases with the magnetic field strength. The tandem mirror configuration can improve plasma confinement in this type of setup.
  • #1
artis
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If I am not mistaken (hopefully) then the highest loss through the mirror ends in a magnetic mirror happens with particles that have a higher parallel component to the field lines than a higher perpendicular (gyro frequency).
In a magnetic mirror if we map these properties onto the real physical picture , which particles had higher parallel speeds, those that gyrated around the straight axial center field lines or those that went around the more curved lines that were further away from the axial center?
 
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  • #2
artis said:
If I am not mistaken (hopefully) then the highest loss through the mirror ends in a magnetic mirror happens with particles that have a higher parallel component to the field lines than a higher perpendicular (gyro frequency).
Yes, and also those particles that have most of their velocity parallel with the field lines.

There exists a small force parallel to the axis, repelling the particle away from the tip of the cone. That added force gradually slows down the particle's advance down the axis and finally reverses it, causing it to "mirror" and bounce back.
https://pwg.gsfc.nasa.gov/Education/wtrap2.html

The magnetic force opposing the particles becomes greater as the magnetic field strength (line density) increases.

Plasma confinement by magnetic mirror configuration and improvement of the confinement with the tandem mirror configuration https://www.prc.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/?page_id=806
 

1. What is magnetic mirror loss cone?

Magnetic mirror loss cone is a phenomenon in plasma physics where charged particles are reflected or trapped by a magnetic field. This occurs when the particles' motion is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, causing them to bounce back and forth between the magnetic mirrors.

2. How does magnetic mirror loss cone affect plasma confinement?

Magnetic mirror loss cone can lead to particle loss from the plasma, reducing the density and temperature of the plasma. This can affect the overall confinement and stability of the plasma, making it more difficult to sustain fusion reactions.

3. What factors influence the strength of magnetic mirror loss cone?

The strength of magnetic mirror loss cone is influenced by the strength and geometry of the magnetic field, as well as the energy and mass of the particles. Higher energy particles are less likely to be trapped by the magnetic field, while heavier particles are more likely to be reflected.

4. Can magnetic mirror loss cone be mitigated?

Yes, there are several methods that can be used to mitigate magnetic mirror loss cone. One approach is to use a combination of different magnetic fields to create a more complex magnetic topology that can reduce particle loss. Another method is to introduce additional particles into the plasma to replenish the lost particles.

5. How is magnetic mirror loss cone studied and measured?

Magnetic mirror loss cone can be studied and measured through various diagnostic techniques, such as particle detectors, spectroscopy, and magnetic probes. These methods can provide information about the particle loss rate and energy distribution, which can help researchers understand and mitigate the effects of magnetic mirror loss cone.

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