Electromagnetic collapse. Problems of stability, emission of radiation and evolution of a dense pinch

Stability, emission of radiation, and some problems of evolution for pinch systems are considered on the basis of the theory of equilibrium of a plasma with a high current. The analysis of small oscillations in the approximation of two-fluid hydrodynamics of ideal charged liquids shows that the most dangerous instability is the one resulting in the filamentation of a diffuse equilibrium state of the current into separate jets. The criterion of stability for a pinch systems is established. According to this criterion the plasma compressed up to the electron degeneration is stable. The theory of emission of radiation by pinch systems shows a very important role of stimulated synchrotron radiation in the process of evolution of a high-current channel. The experimental properties of high-current pinches find a natural explanation in the theory. Aside from evident practical applications, the electromagnetic selfcompression of plasma in high-current devices provides the unique possibility to create and investigate ultradense matter, huge electric and magnetic fields, and ultrahigh pressures in the Earth laboratory experiments.