Influence of the azimuthal B-field distribution on the formation of the ring structures in the ion images on GIT-12*

Multi-MeV hydrogen ion beams are produced in the deuterium hybrid gas-puff 3-MA Z-pinch experiments on the generator GIT-12 [1]. Experimental ion images from the pinhole camera show characteristic ring-like structures. Several effects can participate in the formation of the rings. The effect of the spatial distribution of the ion source has already been discussed in [2]. The ions are also influenced by the azimuthal B-fields inside Z-pinch plasmas below the ion source. Recently, we measured these B-fields in the first Z-pinch-driven ion deflectometry experiments [3]. Based on the results, we use our ion-tracking simulations and investigate how B-field gradients affect the ring structures. In addition, we study other properties of the ion source.

 

[1] Klir, D., et al. "Production of energetic protons, deuterons, and neutrons up to 60 MeV via disruption of a current-carrying plasma column at 3 MA." New Journal of Physics 22.10 (2020): 103036.

[2] Klir, D., et al. "Spatial distribution of ion emission in gas-puff z-pinches and dense plasma foci." Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 62.3 (2020): 035009.

[3] Munzar, V., et al. "Mapping of azimuthal B-fields in Z-pinch plasmas using Z-pinch-driven ion deflectometry." Physics of Plasmas 28.6 (2021): 062702.