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The deuterium - heliuum-3 (D-3He) fuel, so called low-radioactive cycle, is a compromise for the thermonuclear fusion, and it is considered to be much cleaner than the deuterium – tritium (D-T) reaction. Helium-3 mining issues are discussed. The paper also provides an estimate of the helium-3 isotope reserves on planet Earth.

The work is devoted to theoretical calculations of compression and energy release processes in the target, which is used in a magnetoinertial fusion (MIF) concept consisting of pulsed jets and intense laser radiation. A numerical technique, describing plasma-physical processes occurring in MIF system, is developed. The results of the calculation of the combined effects (pulsed jets and laser radiation acting on a cylindrical target in the end and perpendicular directions) of intense energy flows on a single-layer cylindrical target are presented. All the main plasma dynamic and radiative parameters of the compressed target plasma were found.

Gradient-drift (collisionless Simon-Hoh) instability is a robust instability often considered to be important for Hall plasma discharges supported by the electron current due to the E × B drift. Most of the previous studies of this mode were based on the local approximation. Here, we consider the nonlocal model which takes into account the electron inertia as well as the effects of the entire profiles of plasma parameters such as the electric, magnetic fields, and plasma density. Contrary to local models, nonlocal analysis predicts multiple unstable modes, which exist in the regions, where local instability criteria are not satisfied. This is especially pronounced for the long wavelength modes which provide larger contribution to the anomalous transport.

We report here our results on the formation of a plasma configuration with the generic name of compact toroid (CT). A method of compact toroid formation to confine, heat and compress a plasma is investigated. Formation of a compact torus using an additional toroidal magnetic field helps to increase the plasma current to a maintainable level of the original magnetic field. We design the Compact Toroid Challenge (CTC) experiment in order to improve the magnetic flux trapping during field reversal in the formation of a compact toroid. The level of the magnetic field immersed in the plasma about 70% of the primary field is achieved. The CTC device and scheme of high level capturing of magnetic flux are presented.