Confine
A compact magnetic geometry holds an elongated plasma.
Technology / Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration
A compact approach
to an immense challenge.
PFRC uses radio-frequency waves to heat plasma and drive current within a magnetic configuration. Our programme advances the experiments and engineering needed for the next machine.
01 / The configuration
Heat & drive
Rotating magnetic fields drive current and heat the plasma.
Develop toward power
The reactor concept targets D–³He fuel and heat-to-electricity conversion. Net power remains a future goal.
The next evidence
The first experiment
tests ion heating.
Published PFRC-2 work reports long plasma discharges with electron heating. Our next scaling question is ion heating, measured through a focused experimental campaign.
The Indian lab programme is planned around subsystem validation, integrated experiments and repeatable runs.
Read the PFRC research overviewWhat remains to be demonstrated?
From plasma experiments to net power
Ion heating, confinement and repeatable operation are development milestones. Longer discharges and electron heating do not establish fusion gain or a commercially viable generator.
Fuel and the complete power system
Helium-3 supply, heat collection and recirculating power remain part of the engineering programme. D–³He aims to reduce neutron loading; D–D side reactions still produce neutrons.