Z-pinch current enhancement by the inverse skin effect

The dynamics of a linear z-pinch discharge are studied. The magnetic field distribution inside the discharge tube was measured by small magnetic probes. It was found that after the maximum contraction of the plasma column, current loops are generated in the vessel by which the pinch current is largely enhanced. This effect can be attributed to the inverse skin effect. The purpose of these experiments is to utilize the azimuthal magnetic field of z-pinch discharge to focus (plasma lens) high-energy antiprotons at CERN.< >