Generation of compact plasma objects in plasma focus discharge

Abstract

This paper provides the results of studies of plasma flows generated in the plasma focus facility PF-1000U. Regimes are found, involving the formation of compact plasma objects propagating in the variable-density background environment to the distances exceeding the initial crosswise dimensions of these objects by dozens of times. It is shown that the flow spreads with its proper captured toroidal magnetic field. The plasma flow front structure is studied. The conclusions about the role of radiation cooling and magnetic confinement in the collimation and stability of outflows are drawn. The results obtained in this work can be used to analyze the existing and build new models describing the collimation and stability of non-relativistic outflows of young stellar objects.