Long-term Confinement of Dense Positron Plasmas

The objective of this proposal is to store large numbers of positrons, also called antielectrons, for long periods of time. Antimatter has the largest specific energy known to humankind, i.e. 180 MJ/microgram. An ordnance package containing micrograms ofpositrons stored for days would comprise an extremely powerful, lethal and revolutionary weapon. We will assemble, test, and operate a positron storage system that will integrate several electromagnetic confinement techniques, including Penning traps,linear magnetic mirrors, and Field Reversed Configurations (FRC). These storage techniques are validated by computer codes. The deliverables will be the hardware associated with the storage system and a Final Report describing operation of the system,diagnostics, and experimental data.