Experimental studies between 1978 and 2004 on ambipolar (tandem) mirror traps are reviewed. Results on the formation of ambipolar ion-confining barriers and the formation of thermal barriers for thermally insulating electrons in ion barriers from plasma confined in a solenoid are discussed. Achievements on improving longitudinal plasma confinement and limiting transverse plasma losses in the trap are reviewed. The reasons for the limited density of solenoid plasma in TMX-U and GAMMA-10 machines are discussed. Some results on the MHD stabilization of plasma and on the suppression of plasma microinstabilities are reviewed. Prospects for constructing ambipolar fusion reactors are discussed.

PACS: 28.52.−s, 52.25.−b, 52.55.−s (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2005v048n11ABEH005804 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2005/11/c/ 000236165700003 2005PhyU...48.1129D Citation: Dimov G I "The ambipolar trap" Phys. Usp. 48 1129–1149 (2005) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Димов Г И «Амбиполярная ловушка» УФН 175 1185–1206 (2005); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0175.200511d.1185