K-shell radiation physics in the ultrahigh optical depth pinches of the Z generator
- Radiation Hydrodynamics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375 (United States)
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87185 (United States)
Al:Mg alloy wire arrays of mass loads 1.3{endash}3.6 mg/cm have been imploded with peak currents of 19 MA on the 60 TW Z generator [R. B. Spielman {ital et al.}, Phys. Plasmas {bold 5}, 2105 (1998)] at Sandia National Laboratories. The large mass loads have resulted in the highest K-shell x-ray line optical depths ({approximately}10{sup 3}) produced to date in Z-pinches. Analysis of the time-resolved spectrum of a 2.1 mg/cm shot near the time of peak compression has yielded a temperature{endash}density profile of the pinch that approximately reproduces all features of the x-ray data except the continuum above 5 keV, which is underpredicted. The Ly {alpha}/He {alpha} ratio for Al is shown to be enhanced relative to that of Mg by two mechanisms: photopumped ladder ionization and absorption of the Al He-like line in a cool outer halo. This analysis and comparisons to some Ti shots demonstrates that the K-shell yield of Al is significantly reduced by line and continuum self-absorption, but that of Ti is not. {copyright} {ital 1998 American Institute of Physics.}
- OSTI ID:
- 300093
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 5; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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K-shell radiation physics in the ultrahigh optical depth pinches of the Z generator