- Neutral gas is injected into the vacuum chamber.
- A voltage is then applied across the electrodes.
- The voltage difference ionizes the gas, allowing a current to flow.
- The current sheet generates a magnetic field.
- The resulting Lorentz force pushes the plasma out of the acceleration region.
- The plasma enters the assembly region, where it collapses on axis.
- Neutral gas remaining in the accelerator feeds the pinch to provide continued axial flow.