Studies and Applications of Dense Magnetized Plasmas

This invited lecture concerns pulsed experiments with dense plasmas (ne > 1016 cm3), carrying high-intensity currents (I>105 A), which produce strong magnetic fields influencing motion of charged particles. Various Z-Pinch (linear and cylindrical) experiments are reviewed, and the most important results are described. Also presented are different Plasma-Focus (non- cylindrical) pinch experiments as well as important characteristics of X-ray pulses, relativistic electron beams (REB), energetic ion streams, and nuclear fusion products (mainly fast protons and neutrons). Particular attention is paid to possible applications of the X-ray pulses, e.g. for X-ray microscopy and lithography, as well as to applications of pulsed particle beams, e.g. for material tests and engineering. The international collaboration in dense magnetized plasma research is described, and prospects of the International Center for Dense Magnetized Plasmas (ICDNIP) are presented. (author)