Evolution of the gas-puff Z-pinch column

The evolution of a neon implosion of low energy discharge (4 kJ, 40 kV, 150 kA, 1.1 /spl mu/s) was studied using X-ray, schlieren, and high speed electrooptical visible gated quadro camera diagnostics. The geometry, an helical structure of pinched column, two steps of pinching, and X-ray emission have been studied. The hypothesis of an axial component of magnetic field generation, the helical shape of the magnetic and electric field lines, and the release of magnetic energy during the second pinching of the column are discussed.