Inference of field reversed configuration topology and dynamics during Alfvenic transients

Abstract

Active control of field reversed configuration (FRC) devices requires a method to determine the flux surface geometry and dynamic properties of the plasma during both transient and steady-state conditions. The current tomography (CT) method uses Bayesian inference to determine the plasma current density distribution using both the information from magnetic measurements and a physics model in the prior. Here we show that, from the inferred current sources, the FRC topology and its axial stability properties are readily obtained. When Gaussian process priors are used and the forward model is linear, the CT solution involves non-iterative matrix operations and is then ideally suited for deterministic real-time applications. Because no equilibrium assumptions are used in this case, inference of plasma topology and dynamics up to Alfvenic frequencies then becomes possible. Inference results for the C-2U device exhibit self-consistency of motions and forces during Alfvenic transients, as well as good agreement with plasma imaging diagnostics.