Measuring dynamics of differentially rotating, unmagnetized, free-boundary plasma produced by soft x-ray irradiation
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Wepresent results from a new experiment, fielded on the MAGPIE pulsed power generator, producing a rotating, boundary-free plasma with no pre-imposed magnetic field. Angular momentum is introduced to the rotating system by the oblique collision of multiple plasma flows, which are
driven by x-ray ablation of solid targets using the soft x-rays emitted from the implosion of wire array z-pinches. This produces a hydrodynamically stable plasma which undergoes ∼2−3 rotations over the duration of the experiment, significantly more than previous pulsed-power platforms. Estimating the angular frequency from the electron density profile in the inner part of the rotating plasma shows that it has a quasi-Keplerian rotation profile. The system also allows for the addition of a controllable magnetic field. This, combined with the sufficiently large Reynolds (∼105) and magnetic Reynolds (∼10) numbers, will enable investigation of the effect of magnetic field on the structure and stability of the rotating plasma.
driven by x-ray ablation of solid targets using the soft x-rays emitted from the implosion of wire array z-pinches. This produces a hydrodynamically stable plasma which undergoes ∼2−3 rotations over the duration of the experiment, significantly more than previous pulsed-power platforms. Estimating the angular frequency from the electron density profile in the inner part of the rotating plasma shows that it has a quasi-Keplerian rotation profile. The system also allows for the addition of a controllable magnetic field. This, combined with the sufficiently large Reynolds (∼105) and magnetic Reynolds (∼10) numbers, will enable investigation of the effect of magnetic field on the structure and stability of the rotating plasma.
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Date Acceptance
2026-02-11
Citation
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 2026, 68 (2)
ISSN
0741-3335
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
Volume
68
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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Publication Status
Published
Article Number
025027
Date Publish Online
2026-02-24