V.N. Mokhov
Summary
V.N. Mokhov — VNIIEF, MAGO magnetized target fusion program lead. Co-authored LANL collaboration proposals.
Overview
V.N. Mokhov is a prominent Soviet and Russian physicist affiliated with the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF) in Sarov. Mokhov is primarily documented as a leading figure in the development of Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) architectures, notably serving as the program lead for the Soviet-era MAGO (Magnitnoye Obzhatiye / Magnetic Compression) concept. Following the historical foundation of MTF concepts such as the 1975: Foundational FRC and MTF Research at LANL, Mokhov's work advanced pulsed-power techniques utilizing explosive flux-compression generators to preheat and compress magnetized plasmas. During the post-Cold War era, Mokhov played a pivotal role in opening scientific channels between Russian nuclear researchers and American scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He co-authored multiple joint research proposals and technical papers evaluating magnetized target performance, chamber liner dynamics, and computational validation using sophisticated magnetohydrodynamic tools such as MACH2. His documented output bridged high-energy-density physics experiments across national laboratories.
Significance
Within the broader high-energy-density and pulsed-power ecosystem, V.N. Mokhov represents a foundational link between early Soviet explosive-driven plasma physics and international fusion energy initiatives. The MAGO system developed under his leadership demonstrated how explosive magnetic flux compression could achieve multi-megampere discharges, informing subsequent research trajectories into compact toroidal formations and high-beta confinement. Mokhov's collaborative initiatives directly influenced parallel American efforts involving scientists such as Dr. Glen A. Wurden and Dr. Thomas Intrator, whose teams explored related field-reversed configurations like the FRX-L Experiment. Furthermore, theoretical models evaluating magnetized target compression have contributed to broader aerospace physics domains, including the study of magnetized plasma sheaths and theoretical concepts surrounding Compact Toroid Weaponization. Mokhov's historical contributions remain central to understanding the evolution of cross-border megagauss magnetic field experimentation.
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