page_title: Pinch (plasma physics)
section_title: Basic mechanism
hierarchical_section_title: Pinch (plasma physics) / Basic mechanism
caption_attribution_description: English: This is a basic explanation of how a pinch works. (1) Pinches apply a huge voltage across a tube. This tube is filled with fusion fuel, typically deuterium gas. If the voltage times the charge is higher than the ionization energy of the gas the gas ionizes. (2) Current jumps across this gap. (3) The current makes a magnetic field which is perpendicular to the current. This magnetic field pulls the material together. (4) These atoms can get close enough to fuse. Other information This is a basic explanation of how a pinch works. (1) Pinches apply a huge voltage across a tube. This tube is filled with fusion fuel, typically deuterium gas. If the voltage times the charge is higher than the ionization energy of the gas the gas ionizes. (2) Current jumps across this gap. (3) The current makes a magnetic field which is perpendicular to the current. This magnetic field pulls the material together. (4) These atoms can get close enough to fuse.
context_page_description: A pinch is the compression of an electrically conducting filament by magnetic forces. The conductor is usually a plasma, but could also be a solid or liquid metal. Pinches were the first type of device used for controlled nuclear fusion.
  The phenomenon may also be referred to as a Bennett pinch, electromagnetic pinch, magnetic pinch, pinch effect or plasma pinch.
  Pinches occur naturally in electrical discharges such as lightning bolts, the aurora, current sheets, and solar flares.
caption: This is a basic explanation of how a pinch works. (1) Pinches apply a huge voltage across a tube.  This tube is filled with fusion fuel, typically deuterium gas. If the product of the voltage & the charge is higher than the ionization energy of the gas the gas ionizes.  (2) Current jumps across this gap.  (3) The current makes a magnetic field which is perpendicular to the current.  This magnetic field pulls the material together. (4) These atoms can get close enough to fuse.
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