Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF)
PJMIF represents the most advanced multi-plasma-jet synchronization experiment in the open literature. It demonstrates that coordinating 36 plasma jets is feasible but fundamentally different from coordinating independent plasmoids in free space. The technology is being commercialized for civilian fusion energy, not weapons.
01 Definition
02 Detailed_Analysis
PJMIF combines magnetic and inertial confinement fusion by using a spherical array of plasma guns to create an imploding plasma liner that compresses a magnetized target. The Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) at LANL uses 36 independent plasma jet drivers to form an argon plasma liner in a 3-meter diameter spherical chamber. The jets transition from kinetic inter-pet interpenetration to collisional regime near stagnation. PLX-BETHE is funded by ARPA-E (Award DE-AR0001268) and is now commercializing via NearStar Fusion (acquired HyperJet Fusion Corporation). Target formation experiments with four target guns were beginning as of August 2025. The 36-jet synchronization is the closest open-source analog to multi-plasmoid coordination, but the jets merge into a single liner rather than maintaining independent plasmoid identity.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ PLX: 36 plasma jets, 3m chamber, 0.25 MJ stored energy
- ▸ Funded by ARPA-E BETHE program
- ▸ HyperJet acquired by NearStar Fusion (civilian)
- ▸ Jets merge into liner, not independent plasmoids
- ▸ Target: 100 eV compressed temperature
06 Related_Terms (1)
07 Related_Entities (12)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Project Sherwood established
The U.S. AEC's classified controlled-fusion program begins at LANL and partner labs.
historical-contextChristofilos begins Astron experiment at LLNL
Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment at LLNL
The Astron experiment established the field-reversed configuration geometry that prefigured modern FRC research.
historical-contextFirst Formal Documentation of FRC Topology
H.A.B. Bodin publishes a paper in Nuclear Fusion describing 'reversed field loops' within a theta-pinch, providing physical evidence of the FRC state.
fusion-physicsInertial-Confinement Flux-Trapping Model Proposed
T.S. Green and A.A. Newton propose that magnetic flux is lost via rapid convection at the radial Alfvén speed, a foundational theory for FRC formation.
fusion-physicsDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsAstron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL
16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment cancelled at LLNL
17-year Astron project ends. Field reversal concept disperses to LANL (FRC) and LLNL/PPPL (spheromak).
historical-contextFoundational FRC Research at LANL
Los Alamos National Laboratory establishes the scientific bedrock for Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) physics through the FRX experiment series.
fusion-physicsLANL Field-Reversed Experiment (FRX) Series
Foundational research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (FRX-A, B, C) masters the control of the n=2 rotational instability in FRCs using quadrupole magnetic fields.
fusion-physics09 FAQ
What is Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF)? ▾
Why does Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) matter? ▾
How does Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) relate to other concepts? ▾
When did Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF)? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Fusion
- Aliases
- Plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF), plasma-jet-driven-magneto-inertial-fusion-pjmif, PJMIF, pjmif, plasma liner fusion, PLX
- Sources
- 4
- Related Terms
- 1
- Graph Entities
- 12
- Timeline Events
- 10