Plasma dynamics and generation of hard radiations in experiments with cylindrical Z-pinches

A survey of experimental studies on the generation of hard ionizing radiations from dynamic cylindrical Z-pinches is presented. Comprehensive experimental data do not confirm the hypothesis that charged particles responsible for the generation of hard radiations (neutrons and X-rays) are accelerated in short-scale Z-pinch necks (m = 0). Analysis of the experimental data indicates that, in discharges in pure hydrogen and deuterium, these particles are most probably accelerated in the axial direction along H φ ≈ 0 lines by the induction electric field generated during the initiation of the secondary near-wall breakdown, which disconnects the pinch from the power supply. In discharges excited in heavy gases and at high initial current growth rates (İ 0 ≥ 1012 A/s) in experiments with hydrogen and deuterium contaminated with admixtures arriving from the chamber wall, there is an additional acceleration mechanism related to the growth of the resistance of a radiatively cooled Z-pinch.