Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
08:32
External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures
Published on: May 7, 2017
13.9K
Effects of a Preembedded Axial Magnetic Field on the Current Distribution in a Z-Pinch Implosion
D Mikitchuk1, M Cvejić1, R Doron1
1Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Physical Review Letters
|February 16, 2019
Summary
Researchers studied magnetic fields in gas-puff Z pinches using Zeeman effect spectroscopy. They found the azimuthal magnetic field was smaller than expected, suggesting current flows in low-density plasma, potentially explaining unexplained phenomena in fusion experiments.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Pulsed Power Science
- Fusion Energy Research
Background:
- Understanding magnetic field distribution is crucial for plasma implosions.
- Pre-embedded magnetic fields influence plasma behavior in Z pinches.
- Previous experiments showed unexplained phenomena in imploding-magnetized-plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the fundamental physics of magnetic field distribution in gas-puff Z pinches.
- Determine the impact of a pre-embedded axial magnetic field on current distribution.
- Explain previously unpredicted observations in magnetized plasma experiments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time and space-resolved spectroscopy of the polarized Zeeman effect.
- Applied this technique for the first time to study pre-embedded magnetic fields in Z pinches.
- Measured magnetic field evolution driven by a pulsed-power generator.
Main Results:
- The azimuthal magnetic field in the imploding plasma was substantially smaller than predicted.
- A significant portion of the current flowed at large radii through low-density plasma.
- This effect was observed even with a weak pre-embedded axial magnetic field.
Conclusions:
- The reduced azimuthal magnetic field suggests a deviation from standard current distribution models.
- A force-free current configuration is proposed as a potential explanation for the observed phenomenon.
- This discovery may clarify unexplained structures in magnetized liner inertial fusion experiments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:16Magnetic Field Of A Current Loop
6.3K
Consider a circular loop with a radius a, that carries a current I. The magnetic field due to the current at an arbitrary point P along the axis of the loop can be calculated using the Biot-Savart law.
6.3K
01:17Force On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
4.2K
Magnetic forces on wires carrying current are most frequently applied in motors. A DC motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work. In motors, wire loops are enclosed in a magnetic field. When current flows through the loops, the magnetic field applies torque, which causes the shaft to rotate. The direction of the current is reversed once the loop's surface area is lined up with the magnetic field, causing a constant torque on the loop. During the process, commutators...
4.2K
01:13Torque On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
5.9K
The most common application of magnetic force on current-carrying wires is in electric motors. These consist of loops of wire, which are placed between the magnets with a magnetic field. When current flows through the loops, the magnetic field applies torque, which causes the shaft to rotate, thus converting electrical energy to mechanical energy.
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
5.9K
01:27Magnetic Fields
7.3K
A moving charge or a current creates a magnetic field in the surrounding space, in addition to its electric field. The magnetic field exerts a force on any other moving charge or current that is present in the field. Like an electric field, the magnetic field is also a vector field. At any position, the direction of the magnetic field is defined as the direction in which the north pole of a compass needle points.
A magnetic field is defined by the force that a charged particle experiences...
A magnetic field is defined by the force that a charged particle experiences...
7.3K
01:18Magnetic Field of a Solenoid
5.8K
A solenoid is a conducting wire coated with an insulating material, wound tightly in the form of a helical coil. The magnetic field due to a solenoid is the vector sum of the magnetic fields due to its individual turns. Therefore, for an ideal solenoid, the magnetic field within the solenoid is directly proportional to the number of turns per unit length and the current. Conversely, the magnetic field outside the solenoid is zero.
Consider a solenoid with 100 turns wrapped around a cylinder of...
Consider a solenoid with 100 turns wrapped around a cylinder of...
5.8K
01:19Magnetic Field Lines
5.7K
The representation of magnetic fields by magnetic field lines is very useful in visualizing the strength and direction of the magnetic field. Each of the magnetic field lines forms a closed loop. The field lines emerge from the north pole (N), loop around to the south pole (S), and continue through the bar magnet back to the north pole.
Magnetic field lines follow several hard-and-fast rules:
Magnetic field lines follow several hard-and-fast rules:
5.7K