Z-Pinch
A plasma confinement geometry where an axial electric current passed through a plasma column generates a self-pinching azimuthal magnetic field.
Governing formula
Bennett Relation: I² = (8 π / μ₀) N k_B (T_e + T_i)
SI unit
MA (Mega-amperes Current)
In depth
The self-generated J_z × B_θ Lorentz force compresses the plasma column radially inward. Governed by the Bennett relation. Highly susceptible to sausage (m=0) and kink (m=1) MHD instabilities.
Examples in the real world
Sandia National Laboratories' Z Machine compressing wire arrays to generate extreme X-ray radiation pulses.