Elevated electron temperatures coincident with neutron generation in a sheared-flow stabilized Z pinch

Sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinches have been studied extensively for their potential as a net gain nuclear fusion device. Central to the thermonuclear fusion concept is attaining high plasma temperature. We report high electron and ion temperature plasmas coincident with neutron production over several microseconds in the FuZE device, a Z pinch machine. On axis electron temperatures of 1–3 keV are measured with an optical Thomson scattering apparatus. The 17-fiber system also measures radial profiles of the electron temperature. Scanning the timing of a single-shot laser pulse in a series of discharges allows us to reconstruct the temporal evolution of $T_e$ with respect to neutron generation. Results confirm that the electron temperature simultaneously peaks with neutron output, as well as the pinch current and inductive voltage generated within the plasma. The elevated $T_e$, which is comparable to ion temperatures, indicates limited radiative losses and demonstrates a continued motivation for scaling this confinement scheme toward fusion reactor conditions.