Mechanism of hot spots formation in magnetic Z- pinch

The evolution of neon implosion of low energy discharge (4 kJ, 40 kV, 150 kA, 1.1 µs) was studied using X-ray, schlieren and high speed electrooptical visible gated Quadro camera diagnostics. The geometry, the helical structure of pinched column, two steps of pinching and X -ray emission have been studied. The diameters, electron density and temperature of the hot spots are determined. The hypothesis of axial component of magnetic field generation, of helical shape of magnetic and electric field lines, of the possibility of the release of magnetic energy and of the acceleration of the keV electrons and ions due to voltage induction during the second pinching of the column are discussed.