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Title: Experimental characterization of a puff-gas z-pinch plasma prior to implosion

Abstract

An argon annular puff-gas z-pinch has been experimentally investigated during the early phase of the current pulse using a magnetic flux probe and streak interferometry. The current is seen to follow the flared outer edge of the gas jet and to be returned primarily at axial positions z<15 mm by six posts supporting the wire mesh anode. A theoretical estimate of the skin depth agrees with the measured approx.1-cm thickness of the current sheath. The electron to neutral density ratio is determined to be peaked both near the posts and near the cathode.

Authors:
;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
North Carolina State University, Box 8202, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8202
OSTI Identifier:
5545248
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 46:12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY; ARGON; IMPLOSIONS; PINCH EFFECT; PLASMA SHEATH; CATHODES; LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES; PROBES; SKIN EFFECT; STREAK PHOTOGRAPHY; THICKNESS; DIMENSIONS; ELECTRODES; ELEMENTS; FLUIDS; GASES; LINEAR PINCH DEVICES; NONMETALS; OPEN PLASMA DEVICES; PHOTOGRAPHY; PINCH DEVICES; RARE GASES; THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES; 700104* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Plasma Kinetics-Experimental- (-1987); 700105 - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Plasma Kinetics-Theoretical- (-1987)

Citation Formats

Smith, III, R S, and Doggett, W O. Experimental characterization of a puff-gas z-pinch plasma prior to implosion. United States: N. p., 1985. Web. doi:10.1063/1.95731.
Smith, III, R S, & Doggett, W O. Experimental characterization of a puff-gas z-pinch plasma prior to implosion. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.95731
Smith, III, R S, and Doggett, W O. 1985. "Experimental characterization of a puff-gas z-pinch plasma prior to implosion". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.95731.
@article{osti_5545248,
title = {Experimental characterization of a puff-gas z-pinch plasma prior to implosion},
author = {Smith, III, R S and Doggett, W O},
abstractNote = {An argon annular puff-gas z-pinch has been experimentally investigated during the early phase of the current pulse using a magnetic flux probe and streak interferometry. The current is seen to follow the flared outer edge of the gas jet and to be returned primarily at axial positions z<15 mm by six posts supporting the wire mesh anode. A theoretical estimate of the skin depth agrees with the measured approx.1-cm thickness of the current sheath. The electron to neutral density ratio is determined to be peaked both near the posts and near the cathode.},
doi = {10.1063/1.95731},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5545248}, journal = {Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)},
number = ,
volume = 46:12,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1985},
month = {Sat Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1985}
}