It is shown that reconsideration of the electron dynamics leads to significant corrections in computing the classical equilibrium of mirror confinement systems. The need to revise earlier models is shown by comparison with experiment. The effect of an external plasma upon energy loss is examined, and an analysis of the problems of secondary emission at end walls is made. New computations of the quality parameter Q and of nτ are made from Fokker-Planck equations modified to more realistically account for the electron dynamics. Curves are plotted enabling optimal values of Q and nτ to be determined through control of the electron temperature (i.e. electron energy losses) and through control of the ambipolar potential.
Including the effect of secondary-electron emission at the divertor targets in code modelling