Dynamics of a fibre Z-pinch under different initial conditions

The possibility of attaining high temperature density plasma by passing a high current through a thin wire or fibre has long been recognized. In the paper experiment, another concept is prosed to produce the composite pinch configuration. Rather than the external injection of an additional plasma cylinder, an additional surface coating on the thin fibre is used. By the application of a controlled preheat current, this surface coating is then vaporised to form the additional plasma jacket over the fibre. Different coating methodologies were explored and the resulting plasma structure studied. (AIP) copyright 1995 American Institute of Physics