Use of Faraday probing to estimate current distribution in wire array z pinches

Journal Article · Sun Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2006 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2227443· OSTI ID:20861195

Bland, S N; Ampleford, D J; Bott, S C; Guite, A; Hall, G N; Hardy, S M; Lebedev, S V; Shardlow, P; Harvey-Thompson, A; Suzuki, F; Kwek, K H ^[1]

---

1. Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ (United Kingdom)

In order to understand the formation and dynamics of plasma in wire array z-pinch experiments, measurements of the distribution of current throughout the array are required. We present details of two Faraday probing diagnostics aimed at exploring the magnetic fields and hence distribution of current in an array. An imaging Faraday system utilizes a short laser pulse to make estimates of the current distribution in the precursor column formed on axis before implosion. In a second system, a rod of high Verdet constant glass is placed close to the wires of an array and the polarization of a cw laser passing through the rod is monitored to examine the variance of current with time.

• OSTI ID: 20861195
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 77, Issue 10; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2227443; (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CURRENTS
DISTRIBUTION
FARADAY EFFECT
IMPLOSIONS
LASERS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PULSES
RODS
WIRES
X-RAY SOURCES