High-order spherical magnetic multipoles for surface confinement of plasma

The concept of surface plasma confinement is discussed. The original spherical multipole KAKTUS systems as well as large cylindrical facilities equipped with permanent magnets and used for studies of quiescent plasmas, are critically reviewed. The KAKTUS-SURMAC concept developed in the UCLA is also discussed. New high-order multipole configurations are proposed and compared with the systems so far investigated. Proposals of new KAKTUS experiments are presented. Also considered are possible improvements of plasma generation and confinement within high-order spherical multipole (HOSM) systems. Technological requirements for electromagnets of the new KAKTUS devices are discussed and supply systems for the new facilities are considered.