Experiments on programmed and naturally relaxing RFP configurations

Experiments on R.F.P. produced by full programming or natural relaxation of stabilized Z-pinches have been done in Padua. Reference is made to some new experiments done in order to understand the setting-up and decaying phase of such plasmas, varying parameters like Isub(z max), Bsub(zo) and filling pressure. The dependence of 'self reversal' on THETA (=Bsub(theta) (Rsub(q))/) is also studied, as well as the correlation between the reversal and the associated growth of an helical kink instability, so far detected. For fully programmed R.F.P. plasmas we refer about the range of parameters in which experimentally stable configurations are observed. (U.K.)