Beschreibung:
The stability of axisymmetric tandem mirror plasmas with respect to interchange, rotational, and ballooning modes is investigated in the paraxial approximation. The stabilizing effects of finite orbits, rigid energetic fast-drifting electrons, nearby conducting walls, and line-tying by a cold plasma halo are incorporated. Numerical calculations are performed to construct equilibria with finite plasma pressure and to determine linear stability by integrating a two-dimensional, initial-value equation. These numerical calculations support and extend analytical results. Analytical and numerical stability criteria are obtained.