Study of the Internal Structure and Small-Scale Instabilities in the Dense Z Pinch

V. V. Ivanov, J. P. Chittenden, S. D. Altemara, N. Niasse, P. Hakel, R. C. Mancini, D. Papp, and A. A. Anderson
Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 165002 – Published 12 October 2011

Abstract

High-resolution laser diagnostics at the wavelength of 266 nm were applied for the investigation of Z pinches at the 1-MA generator. The internal structure of the stagnated Z pinches was observed in unprecedented detail. A dense pinch with strong instabilities was seen inside the column of the trailing plasma. Kink instability, disruptions, and micropinches were seen at the peak of the x-ray pulse and later in time. The three-dimensional structure of the stagnated Z pinch depends on the initial wire-array configuration and implosion scenario. Small-scale density perturbations were found in the precursor plasma and in the stagnated Z pinch. Development of instabilities is in agreement with three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations.

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  • Received 4 July 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.165002

© 2011 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

V. V. Ivanov1, J. P. Chittenden2, S. D. Altemara1, N. Niasse2, P. Hakel1, R. C. Mancini1, D. Papp1, and A. A. Anderson1

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
  • 2Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ, United Kingdom

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 16 — 14 October 2011

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