Magnetic field distribution and shell structure in a gas-puff Z-pinch plasma

The plasma properties during the implosion phase in a gas-puffed Z-pinch are studied from time-dependent spectral shapes and intensities of emission lines of singly to five times ionized ions measured in various directions. The magnetic field distribution in the plasma is determined from Zeeman splitting by discrimination against the Stark and Doppler broadenings using polarization spectroscopy. The skin depth obtained implies a classical plasma conductivity. The dependence of the radial charge-state distribution on the axial dimension is studied in detail. The ion velocities are found to vary along the axis, however the radial charge-state distribution and the radially propagating ionization wave previously observed are seen to occur similarly in all axial locations.