The evolution of the luminous plasma structure in a hard core theta-pinch has been studies in two dimensions (r,z). Distinct plasma spirals around the hard core are formed. In the antiparallel (B sub z) - bias case the spirals coalesce due to a 3:1 axial compression. With zero bias field the plasma filaments are spiraling in the opposite sense of rotation. An axial structure of the plasma is observed to be present at the beginning of the discharge. In the theta-pinch without hard core this structure is shown to originate in the very initial preheater breakdown. (Author)
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