Research Progress on Z-pinch Dynamics and Its Direct-driven Pulsed Power Technology
Z-pinch plays a crucial role in cutting-edge science and national security such as inertial confinement fusion and intense pulsed radiation effects.This paper reviews the research progress in Z-pinch plasma physics experiments and the key technologies of pulse sources.First,it summarizes the experimental diagnostic techniques for Z-pinch plasma,especially the development of laser Thomson scattering for the plasma flow measurement and the magnetic field diagnostic methods based on the magneto-optical effect.Subsequently,it outlines the progress on the physical understanding of the Z-pinch dynamics based on the evolution of the plasma and its magnetic field distribution.Furthermore,in order to improve the implosion quality,it summarizes the research progress on the regulation methods of Z-pinch plasma,including pre-pulse current modulation for mass density distribution and dynamic axial magnetic fields provided by rotating current-return-rods.At the same time,it reviews the main achievements on the technology of the fast linear transformer driver for the hundreds-of-terawatt-class facilities,including the bricks,triggering systems,and module technologies.Finally,it summarizes and proposes key research directions that require further attentions,including the methods for suppressing plasma instabilities under long implosion times,the methods for efficient electromagnetic energy transmission and convergence,and reliable operation technologies for large-scale Z-pinch facilities.
Z-pinchplasma diagnosticsinstability suppressionpulsed power technologyfast linear transformer driver