On tuning mechanisms of DPF devices

A global instability theory of pinching plasmas allows us to justify the we ll-known empirical facts of the use of a mismatched dense plasma focus (DPF ) and heavy inert gas admixtures. We assume that an instability of tangenti al discontinuity is responsible fur the instability of a current-carrying p lasma column. To inhibit development of a tangential discontinuity in a pla sma focus, an array of insulator fibers or metallic wires placed on the ano de near the axis of a discharge camera can be used.