Comparison of Z-pinch and theta-pinch drive for implosion of solid liners suitable for compression of Field Reversed Configurations

Summary form only given, as follows. A comparison of Z-pinch and theta-pinch driven implosions of metal shells (solid liners) is presented. Both schemes are feasible, and they have different advantages for compression of magnetized plasmas to magnetized target fusion conditions. The Z-pinch approach has already demonstrated at least 35% conversion efficiency from stored electrical energy to implosion kinetic energy with good implosion behavior and symmetry, and at least 13 times radial convergence of the liner inner surface. The theta-pinch approach has potential advantages for purer and easier injection of Field Reversed Configurations, easier diagnostic access, and may be more easily operated repetitively.