Development of experiments for shock waves in magnetic fields at the 1 MA pulsed power generator

The 1 MA Zebra pulsed power machine at UNR generates magnetic fields of 1-3 MG that can be used for many applications. We are developing experiments to study shock waves in gaseous and plasma media in strong magnetic fields. Shock waves are generated by a laser beam focused into a gas jet in the field region of 2-3 MG. Diagnostics include interferometry, shadowgraphy, and schlieren at wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 266 nm. Magnetic fields in the shocked plasma are measured using Faraday rotation diagnostics. The first results from laser diagnostics are presented, including visualization of shock waves, as well as the dynamics and structure of shock waves in the gas jet.