Influence of gas density distribution on the pinch process in gas-puff Z-pinch scheme

Spatial distribution of the incident gas significantly influences the pinch process in gas-puff Z pinch schemes. This paper shows the dependence of the plasma formation on the distribution of the gas puffed into the discharge region. Temporary and spatially resolved gas density between the Z-pinch electrodes was measured by using a high-sensitive multi-channel laser interferometer. Also, plasma density distribution was measured by using a pulsed laser interferometer. The gas, which was puffed from the anode nozzle toward the center axis, quickly spread out to the radial direction and formed a conical shape. This resulted in the significant gas density gradient along z-axis. The pulsed laser interferometer showed a discharge took place at the contour of the gas distribution. The pinch process was significantly influenced by the initial gas distribution. In addition, the double layer structure was observed before implosion.