The Z-Pinch produces a plasma my producing an electrical arc across a neutral gas: essentially lightning in a bottle! This experiment provides hands on experience with magnetic field diagnostics, and the signal processing analysis so common in larger experiments. The Z-Pinch lets students explore Magneto-Hydrodynamic plasma stability and identify instabilities in the plasma discharge.
Scientific Topics Addressed: Ideal MHD Plasma Stability
Diagnostics Used: Rogowsky Coils, Mirnov Coils