The field-reversed-configuration (FRC) creates a somewhat-stable moving donut of plasma that doesn't need to be "contained" per-se. The configuration of the plasma induces a magnetic field, tightening the donut as it moves.
TAE is exploring static FRC which has instabilities over longer timescales. Helion uses a pulsed approach which means they don't need to worry about these long-term stabilities and can simply optimize for peak power in non-equilibrium systems.
Over the years, many fusion designs have been shut down due to losses at equilibrium. It seems that Helion avoids these factors altogether by having a non-equilibrium system.
TAE is exploring static FRC which has instabilities over longer timescales. Helion uses a pulsed approach which means they don't need to worry about these long-term stabilities and can simply optimize for peak power in non-equilibrium systems.
Over the years, many fusion designs have been shut down due to losses at equilibrium. It seems that Helion avoids these factors altogether by having a non-equilibrium system.