A rotamak device is described in which compact torus plasmas are generated using relatively low RF input powers (~ a few kW). Compact torus configurations are generated in both argon and hydrogen plasmas and are sustained for ~ 9 ms. These configurations appear to be grossly stable and show no tendency to disrupt even when subjected to large amplitude forced oscillations. A configuration incorporating a toroidal field is also investigated.
Experimental investigation of the effects of variable expanding channel on the performance of a low-power cusped field thruster