title: Overview of C-2 field-reversed configuration experiment plasma diagnostics.
abstract: A comprehensive diagnostic suite for field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas has been developed and installed on the C-2 device at Tri Alpha Energy to investigate the dynamics of FRC formation as well as to understand key FRC physics properties, e.g., confinement and stability, throughout a discharge. C-2 is a unique, large compact-toroid merging device that produces FRC plasmas partially sustained for up to ∼5 ms by neutral-beam (NB) injection and end-on plasma-guns for stability control. Fundamental C-2 FRC properties are diagnosed by magnetics, interferometry, Thomson scattering, spectroscopy, bolometry, reflectometry, and NB-related fast-ion/neutral diagnostics. These diagnostics (totaling >50 systems) are essential to support the primary goal of developing a deep understanding of NB-driven FRCs.
authors.affiliation: Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gota
authors.affiliation: Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688, USA.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tuszewski
authors.affiliation: Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688, USA.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Binderbauer