Self-generated plasma rotation in a Z-pinch implosion with preembedded axial magnetic field

Using detailed spectroscopic measurements, highly-resolved in both time and space, a self-generated plasma rotation is demonstrated for the first time in a cylindrical Z-pinch implosion with a pre-embedded axial magnetic field. The plasma parameters and all three components of the magnetic field are resolved. The plasma is seen to rotate at a velocity comparable to the peak implosion velocity, considerably affecting the force and energy balance throughout the implosion. Moreover, the evolution of the rotation is consistent with magnetic flux surface isorotation, a novel observation in a Z-pinch.