Confinement of plasma

Confining extremely hot plasma in a container is a difficult process. Usually researchers employ two methods:
1. Magnetic field confinement: It is easy to understand that a charged particle exhibits a cyclotron frequency and Larmour radius when a magnetic field is applied. In this case, the orbit is in a plane perpendicular to the direction of applied magnetic field. Self confinem,ent of the particles may also take place which is known as pinch effect. Generally, to restrict particles in their respective orbits, a droughnut shaped container is used which is called a toroid. Magnets are made by superconducting materials.
2. Inertial confinement: Here pellets of fuel are introduced at a moderate rate having mm sized shape. Laser pulses with enormous power are directed towards the pellets inside the combustion chamber. This heats them and compresses them. This may lead to intense shock waves. Lack of suitable laser sources is a serious concern here. In the latest development, particle accelerator – nuclear fusion reactor carry the job.