Characterizing the Plasmas of Dense $Z$ -Pinches

This mini-tutorial summarizes the plasma characteristics important for the
$Z$
-pinch research, with an emphasis on high-density collisional plasmas. It begins with the discussion of the most basic plasma properties related to collisionality and magnetization and then proceeds to more complex phenomena associated with magnetic field evolution in a highly dynamical plasma. Plasma transport properties are discussed mostly in conjunction with the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion concept. Issues of interplay of the classical and anomalous transport in a plasma whose pressure is higher than the magnetic pressure are elucidated. Differences in magnetic reconnection in weakly versus highly collisional plasmas are discussed. Kinetic effects and the role of microturbulence are mentioned in conjunction with the formation of high-energy tails in the particle distribution functions and the generation of particle beams. The discussion is based on the order-of-magnitude estimates suitable for initial orientation in the problem. The two appendixes contain some auxiliary material.