Triton distribution function and 14 MeV neutron generation rate in D-He-3 field reversed configuration plasmas

The effect of magnetic field oil the velocity distribution function of trit ons in D-He-3 fuelled/field reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas is investi gated. Some of the tritons produced by D(d,p)T reactions in the FRC are imm ediately and asymmetrically lost from the device without any interaction wi th background charged particles, and then non-symmetric loss causes a disto rtion of the velocity distribution function as well as a decrease in the nu mber of trapped tritons. Using the distorted triton distribution, the 14 Me V neutron generation rate is estimated and compared with the values for Max wellian plasmas (the effect of the magnetic field is neglected). It is foun d that in a typical ignited D-He-3/FRC plasma, for example, T-i = T-e = 80 keV, n(D) = 2ns(He) = 05n(e) = 3 x 10(20) m(-3) T-E = 0.5 tau(P) = 3 S, r(s ) = 1.6 m and B-W = 6 T, the reduction in 14 MeV neutron generation is abou t 20%.