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We describe the experiment and technology leading to a target plasma for the magnetized target fusion research effort, an approach to fusion wherein a plasma with embedded magnetic fields is formed and subsequently adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. The target plasmas under consideration, field-reversed configurations ͑FRCs͒, have the required closed-field-line topology and are translatable and compressible. Our goal is to form high-density (10 17 cm Ϫ3 ) FRCs on the field-reversed experiment-liner ͑FRX-L͒ device, inside a 36 cm long, 6.2 cm radius theta coil, with 5 T peak magnetic field and an azimuthal electric field as high as 1 kV/cm. FRCs have been formed with an equilibrium density n e Ϸ(1 to 2)ϫ10 16 cm Ϫ3 , T e ϩT i Ϸ250 eV, and excluded flux Ϸ2 to 3 mWb.

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Data are presented that are part of a first step in establishing the scientific basis of magnetized target fusion (MTF) as a cost effective approach to fusion energy. A radially converging flux compressor shell with characteristics suitable for MTF is demonstrated to be feasible. The key scientific and engineering question for this experiment is whether the large radial force density required to uniformly pinch this cylindrical shell would do so without buckling or kinking its shape. The time evolution of the shell has been measured with several independent diagnostic methods. The uniformity, height to diameter ratio and radial convergence are all better than required to compress a high density field reversed configuration to fusion relevant temperature and density.

The performance of a high-gain FCG is often limited by internal electrical breakdown caused by the high voltage generated during operation. Modern diagnostic techniques provide the opportunity to diagnose internal breakdowns so that generator designs can be improved. This paper describes the internal breakdowns observed in the JAKE FCG developed at the AFRL during the late 1990's. A revision to the stator winding pattern of the JAKE generator has led to improved control of the internal voltage. Designated JILL, the revised generator has substantially better flux transport efficiency, particularly at higher seed current. The techniques employed to design the new stator winding and the results of development testing are presented. 265 978-1-4244-2062-9/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE