End loss in the linear  -pinch

Configurations in theta -pinch in which some of the magnetic field lines that pass through the mirrors are mixed throughout the plasma are considered. This could happen by breakdown on the first half-cycle of the current without preionization or if breakdown did not occur until the second half- cycle, some reversed flux from the first half-cycle could be trapped within the gas. The loss of plasma from such configurations was studied. (M.C.G.)