Observation of fast current redistribution in an imploding plasma column

TL;DR

This study uses spectroscopic measurements to observe rapid current redistribution from stagnating plasma to low density plasma during a Z-pinch implosion, revealing a process that could impact pulsed-power system performance.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed high-resolution observation of fast current transfer in an imploding plasma column, highlighting its potential effects on system behavior.

Findings

Current shifts from stagnating plasma to low density plasma at larger radii.

The process is likely driven by increasing impedance of the stagnating plasma.

Fast current redistribution can significantly influence pulsed-power system dynamics.

Abstract

Spectroscopic measurements of the magnetic field evolution in a Z-pinch throughout stagnation and with particularly high spatial resolution reveal a sudden current redistribution from the stagnating plasma (SP) to a low density plasma (LDP) at larger radii, while the SP continues to implode. Based on the plasma parameters it is shown that the current is transferred to an increasing-conductance LDP outside the stagnation, a process likely to be induced by the increasing impedance of the SP. Since an LDP often exists around imploding plasmas and in various pulsed-power systems, such a fast current redistribution may dramatically affect the behavior and achievable parameters in these systems.