Initial operation of the MST [Madison Symmetric Torus] reversed field pinch

During the initial operation of the MST reversed field pinch, plasmas have been obtained with current of 500 kA and reversal duration of 28 msec. Discharges typically are initiated with a loop voltage of 150 volts and attain a loop voltage of about 20 volts at the time of peak current. Density up to 2 /times/ 1013 cm/sup /minus/3/ is obtained, and electron temperature is measured to be about 300 eV for 400 kA plasmas. The plasma parameters are improving steadily with wall conditioning and field error reduction. Sawtooth-like oscillations and magnetic fluctuations are characterized. 2 refs., 4 figs