The confinement of shock-heated plasmas in mirror magnetic fields

In the device for the confinement of shock-heated plasma, the magnetic field may be largely external to the plasma. in contrast to the mirror machines in which the plasma is well mixed with its confining magnetic field. The case in which the central plasma density and temperature are such that the ion scattering time is so small that the ion pressure is isotropic is considered and methods of confinement discussed. The condition which apparently exists in the Scylla, that of a plasma surrounded by a thin skin of field and plasma. is also discussed. (M.C.G.)