Study of the structure and dynamics of current sheets in three-dimensional magnetic configurations with an X line by holographic interferometry

Abstract

Results are presented from studies of the structure and dynamics of current sheets in three-dimensional magnetic configurations with an X line by means of holographic interferometry. It is found that the efficiency of plasma compression into the sheet is reduced as the longitudinal magnetic field B z , directed along the X line, increases. This effect is attributed to the enhancement of the longitudinal component of the magnetic field within the sheet and to the corresponding increase in the magnetic pressure. It is shown that the formation of a plasma sheet lags behind the beginning of the plasma current pulse, the delay time being close to the characteristic Alfvén time.