Measurements of the spatial magnetic field distribution in a z-pinch plasma throughout the stagnation process

We report on measurements, made for the first time for an imploding plasma at its stagnation, of the magnetic field spatial distribution. Utilized for the measurements is a spectroscopic technique based on simultaneous recording of each of the left- and right-handed circularly polarized Zeeman emissions. While this method allows for overcoming the Stark- and Doppler-broadenings that obscure the Zeeman splitting, it requires a line of sight that is parallel to the magnetic field lines. To this end, the radial charge-state distribution in the stagnating z-pinch plasma was measured, and the method was employed for emission lines of several selected charge states located in various radial locations. This also allowed for measuring the time-resolved magnetic field radial distribution in a single discharge, which is advantageous for high-energy-density plasma experiments. These distributions were measured at various locations along the pinch axis.