Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

摘要

A method of converting fusion product energies into electric energy, comprises the steps of injecting ions along a helical path (422) within a generally cylindrical cavity (420) formed by a plurality of semi-cylindrical electrodes (494) in spaced relation with one another forming a plurality of elongate gaps (497) formed there between, forming an electric field (E) within the cavity having a multi-pole structure within more than two poles, and converting at least a portion of the ion energy into electrical energy. The method further comprises the step of applying an oscillating potential to the plurality of electrodes and creating an azimuthal electric field across the plurality of gaps.