Studies on a low energy plasma focus discharge

This paper is devoted to the experimental and theoretical study of plasma current sheath behavior for a low energy plasma focus device operating at a filling nitrogen gas pressure of 3.3 torr, and at a stored energy of 1.2 kJ. Axial distribution profiles of plasma current sheath (PCS) characteristics such as propagation velocity Vz, acceleration az, azimuthal magnetic field induction Btheta, and magnetic force per unit volume Fz/m3 along the coaxial electrodes system was performed from a magnetic probe and miniature Rogovsky coil signals. The experimental results showed that the axial distribution of Vz, az, Btheta and Fz has approximately the same profile and the maximum value of these parameters was detected nearly at a mid-distance of coaxial electrodes system. Theoretical description of PCS dynamics at the axial phase, based on a snowplough, was estimated as a function of discharge time. These data were compared with the received experimental results.