Particle Behavior in a Static, Asymmetric, Magnetic Mirror Geometry

Abstract

The motion of a charged particle in an asymmetric mirror geometry has been studied. The asymmetric geometry for these studies is constructed by giving equal but opposite tilts to the two identical, coaxial coils of a symmetric geometry in which the coils are spaced about one coil mean diameter apart. (This is equivalent to one section of a ``bumpy torus.'') A model for describing a particle's motion in this geometry is presented. It is based on the guiding‐center drift surfaces determined theoretically from the longitudinal and transverse adiabatic invariants and the invariance of the magnitude of the momentum. The results of the experimental investigations are successfully interpreted in terms of the model.