Z-pinch fusion

Abstract

The Z-pinch configuration offers the promise of a compact fusion device owing to its simple geometry, unity beta, and absence of external magnetic field coils. Increasing the axial current compresses the plasma, resulting in a rapid rise of the fusion reaction rate. Historically, the Z pinch has been plagued by fast growing instabilities that limit plasma lifetimes. Recent progress has resulted from investigating approaches that provide stability. One approach exploits sheared-flow stabilization to produce an equilibrium Z pinch, which sustains the compressed plasma state for durations much longer than other plasma timescales. Recent experimental and simulation results encourage pursuit of the stabilized Z pinch to explore its fusion performance limits.