Self-Generated Plasma Rotation in a Z-Pinch Implosion with Preembedded Axial Magnetic Field

Using detailed spectroscopic measurements, highly resolved in both time and space, a self-generated plasma rotation is demonstrated using a cylindrical implosion with a preembedded axial magnetic field (B-z0). The rotation direction is found to depend on the direction of B-z0 and its velocity is found comparable to the peak implosion velocity, considerably affecting the force and energy balance throughout the implosion. Moreover, the evolution of the rotation is consistent with magnetic flux surface isorotation, a novel observation in a Z pinch, which is a prototypical time dependent system.

Automated summary

Using detailed spectroscopic measurements, researchers demonstrated a self-generated plasma rotation phenomenon. The direction of rotation is dependent on the direction of the axial magnetic field, and its velocity is comparable to the implosion velocity, greatly affecting the force and energy balance of the implosion. Additionally, the evolution of rotation is consistent with magnetic flux surface isorotation, which is a novel observation in a Z pinch.