Dynamics of axial plasma jets in neon and argon plasma focus discharges

Axial plasma jets at the final stage of plasma focus discharge filled by neon or argon were studied by the method of shearing interferometry. It was found that neon plasma is more stable than argon one and jets in neon are stronger than in argon. The velocity of current sheath, taken from experiment, is Vsh = (2-3) × 106 cm/s, while the velocity of cumulative jet is Vj = (3-4) × 107 cm/s. These features are supported by theoretical interpretation given in the frame of 2D MHD model.