What Causes Loss of Particles in a Magnetic Mirror?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the loss of particles in a magnetic mirror, specifically highlighting that particles with a higher parallel velocity component to the magnetic field lines experience the greatest loss. It is established that particles gyrating around straight axial field lines maintain higher parallel speeds compared to those around more curved lines. Additionally, a force parallel to the axis repels particles away from the cone's tip, ultimately reversing their trajectory and causing them to "mirror" back. The magnetic force opposing the particles increases with magnetic field strength, impacting particle confinement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic mirror configurations in plasma physics
  • Familiarity with particle dynamics in magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of gyro frequency and its implications
  • Basic principles of plasma confinement techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of magnetic mirror configurations in plasma confinement
  • Explore the effects of magnetic field strength on particle dynamics
  • Study the tandem mirror configuration for improved plasma confinement
  • Learn about gyro frequency and its role in particle behavior in magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, plasma researchers, and engineers involved in magnetic confinement systems and those studying particle dynamics in magnetic fields.

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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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
 

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