Waves for alpha channeling in mirror machines

Alpha channeling can, in principle, be implemented in mirror machines via exciting weakly damped modes in the ion cyclotron frequency range with perpendicular wavelengths smaller than the alpha-particle gyroradius. Assuming quasilongitudinal or quasitransverse wave propagation, we search systematically for suitable modes in mirror plasmas. Considering two device designs, a proof-of-principle facility and a fusion rector prototype, we in fact identify candidate modes suitable for alpha channeling.