Linear Pinch Test #1

Patterned off the Columbus-1 linear pinch fusion device, this test was conducted with an air plasma at low power(14kv / 1400 Joules). The test insulator was Pyrex. A fused quartz tube is scheduled to replace it during the next phase of testing.


The Los Alamos device known as Columbus IIwas designed as a high-powered machine in which the current reached its maximum in as short a time as possible. The machine is described, and the results obtained are given. Using the low- voltage bank, short neutron bursts were produced at the time of the first and second pinch and with the high-voltage bank, at the time of the first pinch. The Columbus S-4, a linear discharge device, was constructed to test the effect of increased tube diameter and interelectrode spacing on the properties of a B/sub z/ -stabilized pinched discharge. The Perhapsatron more »