Plasma dynamics in a composite gas-embedded Z-pinch discharge

Summary form only given. A composite gas embedded Z-pinch discharge is studied. In this discharge an axial current filament as well as a coaxial cylindrical current shell are used. This initial configuration is obtained by applying a DC microdischarge between two conical electrodes, as well as a laser created spark in the cathode. The sharp edge conical electrodes have a radius of 1 mm and the electrode separation is 10 mm. The experiment is driven by GEPOPU, 1.5 Ohm, 120 ns, 200 kA, in hydrogen gas at 1/3 atm. The dynamics of this composite compressional gas-embedded Z-pinch are presented. Visible streak camera, fast current measurements and holographic shadowgraphy and interferometry have been used.