The axial propagation of plasma upon radial injection in a current interrupter

Abstract

The axial propagation of plasma in a current interrupter with radial injection guns has been experimentally studied. In the absence of a generator current passing through the injected plasma, the plasma front with a density of no less than 10¹¹ cm⁻³ moves in the axial direction at a velocity of ∼(1–1.5)×10⁷ cm/s. At a distance of 20 cm from the injection plane, a plasma density of ∼10¹³ cm⁻³ is attained 5–6 ms after the current switch on in the guns; at a distance of 50 cm, the plasma density reaches ∼(2–5)×10¹² cm⁻³.