EVIDENCE FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF A HOT, DENSE PLASMA IN A THETA PINCH

Measurements made of the axial containment of a plasma in a high-power linear theta pinch device are described. Observations were made of the cross- sectional area of the plasma as a function of time, using a high-speed framing camera that takes repetitive shots of the plasma at 0.25 mu sec intervals. The pinch is produced by the discharge of a 100- mu f condenser bank through a single- turn primary coil wrapped around an alumina tube containing deuterium gas at pressures of 50 to 200 mu . The investigations showed that in a narrow range of pressures a high degree of containment was achieved. Further analysis of the state shows that the plasma has a high beta and a high temperature. (B.O.G.)