The axial propagation of plasma upon radial injection in a current interrupter

The axial propagation of plasma in a current interrupter with radial injection guns has been experimentally studied. In the absence of a generator current passing through the injected plasma, the plasma front with a density of no less than 10¹¹ cm^?3 moves in the axial direction at a velocity of ～(1–1.5)×10⁷ cm/s. At a distance of 20 cm from the injection plane, a plasma density of ～10¹³ cm^?3 is attained 5–6 ms after the current switch on in the guns; at a distance of 50 cm, the plasma density reaches ～(2–5)×10¹² cm^?3.