Anode–Cathode Asymmetry in a Wire-Array $Z$-Pinch: Highly Resolved Axial-Shear-Flow Structure Observed on the Outer Edges of Ablating Wires

Presented is a laser-backlit image of a tungsten wire-array Z-pinch at 1 MA. This image shows highly resolved (to about 20-40 μm) anode-cathode-asymmetric wavelike structure on the outer edges of the ablating wires. The development of this structure implies that axial shear flow occurs in ablating wire-array Z-pinches.