Abstract: A control system manipulates one or more of the shape, timing, and magnitude of a pressure pulse (“plasma pulse trajectory”) generated by a plasma compression system to implode a liquid liner surrounding a cavity containing plasma, thereby compressing the plasma. The liquid liner and cavity are created by rotating a liquid medium in a vessel. Compression drivers extend perpendicularly around the liquid medium's rotational axis. Multiple layers of compression drivers are stacked in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis to form multiple pressure zones extending along the rotational axis. The control system separately controls each pressure zone, or groups of pressure zones, to generate individual pressure pulses each having a different pressure pulse trajectory in each pressure zone. The multiple individual pressure pulses collectively form a combined pressure pulse having a pressure pulse trajectory that varies along the rotational axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be rotated within a vacuum vessel of a plasma compression system. The apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical outer wall configured to rotate about a longitudinal symmetry axis. The outer wall includes an outer surface, an inner surface at least partially bounding an inner volume of the apparatus, and a plurality of channels extending through the outer wall. The inner volume is configured to contain a liquid medium. The apparatus further includes a plurality of valves affixed to the outer wall and in fluid communication with the plurality of channels. The plurality of valves is configured to selectively control pressurized gas flow from outside the outer surface, through the plurality of channels, into the inner volume.

Abstract: A control system manipulates one or more of the shape, timing, and magnitude of a pressure pulse (“plasma pulse trajectory”) generated by a plasma compression system to implode a liquid liner surrounding a cavity containing plasma, thereby compressing the plasma. The liquid liner and cavity are created by rotating a liquid medium in a vessel. Compression drivers extend perpendicularly around the liquid medium's rotational axis. Multiple layers of compression drivers are stacked in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis to form multiple pressure zones extending along the rotational axis. The control system separately controls each pressure zone, or groups of pressure zones, to generate individual pressure pulses each having a different pressure pulse trajectory in each pressure zone. The multiple individual pressure pulses collectively form a combined pressure pulse having a pressure pulse trajectory that varies along the rotational axis.