Penetration of a magnetic constriction by intense relativistic electron beams

Abstract

An experiment to observe propagation and compression of an intense relativistic electron beam in a tapered linear pinch resulted in beam penetration of the magnetic field constriction at the discharge's narrow end, contradicting the single‐particle model verified in earlier experiments using axially uniform pinches. Transverse beam pressure overcame the net pinch pressure, expanding the magnetic constriction and allowing beam passage.