title: Study of the internal structure and small-scale instabilities in the dense Z pinch.
abstract: High-resolution laser diagnostics at the wavelength of 266 nm were applied for the investigation of Z pinches at the 1-MA generator. The internal structure of the stagnated Z pinches was observed in unprecedented detail. A dense pinch with strong instabilities was seen inside the column of the trailing plasma. Kink instability, disruptions, and micropinches were seen at the peak of the x-ray pulse and later in time. The three-dimensional structure of the stagnated Z pinch depends on the initial wire-array configuration and implosion scenario. Small-scale density perturbations were found in the precursor plasma and in the stagnated Z pinch. Development of instabilities is in agreement with three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations.
authors: Department of Physics, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA.
authors: V V
authors: VV
authors: Ivanov
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Chittenden
authors: S D
authors: SD
authors: Altemara
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Niasse
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Hakel
authors: R C
authors: RC
authors: Mancini
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Papp
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Anderson