The main issues of research on dense magnetized plasmas in PF discharges

Abstract

This invited lecture presents the main physical problems met during studies of dense (>1016 cm−3) plasma influenced by strong magnetic fields, i.e. when ion cyclotron motions are weakly disturbed by electron–ion collisions. Examples of high-current pulsed discharges of the Z-pinch and plasma-focus (PF) type, which can produce dense magnetized plasma (DMP) are presented. The paper concerns mainly PF-type discharges. Particular attention is paid to different phases of such discharges. The breakdown and formation of a dense plasma layer (current sheath), its axial acceleration and the final radial collapse phase are analyzed. The most important physical phenomena are identified, and some theoretical models are described. The main issues of experimental and theoretical studies of DMP in PF-type facilities are shown.