Princeton field-reversed configuration

The experiment probes the dynamics of long-pulse, collisionless,[1] low s-parameter[2] field-reversed configurations (FRCs) formed with odd-parity rotating magnetic fields.

[3][4] FRCs are the evolution of the Greek engineer's Nicholas C. Christofilos original idea of E-layers which he developed for the Astron fusion reactor.

[5] The PFRC program aims to experimentally verify the physics predictions that such configurations are globally stable and have transport levels comparable with classical magnetic diffusion.

[8] The electric current that forms the field-reversed configuration (FRC) in the PFRC is driven by a rotating magnetic field (RMF).

In an FRC, the name s-parameter is given to the ratio of the distance between the magnetic null and the separatrix, and the thermal ion Larmor radius.

Scientists from Princeton Satellite Systems are working on a new concept called Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) that is based on the PFRC but has one open end through which exhaust flows to generate thrust.

The first concept study and modeling (Phase I NASA NIAC) was published in 2017,[12] and was proposed to power the propulsion system of a Pluto orbiter and lander.

[12][13] Adding propellant to the cool plasma flow results in a variable thrust when channeled through a magnetic nozzle.