Abstract: A device is proposed for confining charged particles to a localized region of space by means of the alternating electric field of a resonant cavity. The motion of single electrons in the field is stable. The limitations to particle density and temperature are discussed, and found to be too severe to allow the device to serve as a reactor, although it might be a useful laboratory tool.

We have preliminarily reported the interpretation of our experimental results that the intensity of the spectrum at the maximum energy was zero. But, as reported in the second paper UCRL-1261 we found that the results may also be fitted to a different spectrum with finite intensity at the maximum energy. Quite recently, however, the most probable value for the mass of the p-meson has been revised by two independent groups based on two different experiments.

The previous calculation of the energy spectrum of the high energy deuteron beam from the stripping of He3 (UCRL-2150) was thought to be in error, especially as regards the low energy tail, on the basis of some experiments with the neutron time-of-flight detector, which indicated a considerably narrower spectrum than that calculated in UCRL-2150. Since the value used for the attenuation cross section of deuterons in uranium is considerably lower than that presently considered correct a new calculation was made using this latter cross section. Since the equations used in this new calculation differ somewhat from those used in the previous report a brief derivation is given here.

A "particle" of charge Ze moves with velocity v, mass M, energy [formula], through a "substance" of atomic number Zo, density N atoms/cm3. We have to consider the process of slowing down, and the nature of the trail of ions produced. Very slow particles are of little interest, as their range is very short. If Z is large, or if the particle is an electron, there are complications which we postpone. Thus, our considerations will apply particularly to protons, deuterons, o< -particles, and mesons.

The root locus method of the treatment of stability problems in the field of servomechanisms is briefly summarized. A simple mechanical instrument of the analogue type (a summing device) containing no gear mechanisms, and designed to do most of the numerical work of the root locus method, is also described.