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DOE OSTI · 21531995

Implosion dynamics in double planar wire array Z pinches

Abstract

The double planar wire array (DPWA) Z pinch is a highly efficient radiation source with unique implosion dynamics and precursor formations. The inductively divided current successively ablates the wires and injects the material to the interior of the array. Three uniquely imploding DPWA load types were identified and classified according to the critical load parameter: low, intermediate, or high aspect ratio. Radiation pulse shaping was obtained from secondary precursors: off-axis mass carrying high current densities during the implosion phase. Time-gated EUV spectroscopy of off-axis mass accumulations is used to assess a 60 eV electron temperature prior to the implosion phase. These structures are shown to form by a different mechanism than the secondary precursors. High yields, compact size, and shaped radiation pulses merit further consideration of the DPWA as a candidate for inertial confinement fusion research.

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BibTeXRIS

Williamson, K M, Kantsyrev, V L, Esaulov, A A, Safronova, A S, Cox, P, Shrestha, I, Osborne, G C, Weller, M E, Ouart, N D, Shlyaptseva, V V. 2010-11-15. Implosion dynamics in double planar wire array Z pinches. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3511775

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