The X-1 Z-pinch driver

Journal Article · Mon Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1997 · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.602486· OSTI ID:522406

Ramirez, J J ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

X-1 is a program initiative to develop the next-generation laboratory X-ray source using fast Z-pinch drivers. X-1 will provide unique applications utility to high-energy density physics, inertial confinement fusion, and radiation effects simulation research. The advent in the 1980`s of pulsed power accelerators capable of delivering tens of terawatts to imploding plasma loads led to a quantum improvement in Z-pinch performance by reducing the implosion time to less than 100 ns. Further progress in Z-pinch performance capabilities was achieved in 1996, using a cylindrical wire-array load, and led to the production of 85 TW, 350--500 kJ of X-rays using the Saturn accelerator at Sandia. The PBFA-II accelerator has been converted to drive Z-pinch loads (PBFA-Z), and will provide a factor of 2 increase in current, and 4 in energy, over that provided by Saturn. X-1 is the next step beyond PBFA-Z and, as presently envisioned, represents a factor of 8 increase in energy. It will require {approximately}360 TW, {approximately}100 ns pulsed power generator to impart {approximately}16 MJ kinetic energy to the reference imploding plasma load. A baseline concept for X-1 has been developed. It utilizes a highly modular, robust architecture with demonstrated performance reliability.

• OSTI ID: 522406
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 25; ISSN ITPSBD; ISSN 0093-3813
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ACCELERATORS
ENERGY CONVERSION
LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES
PULSE GENERATORS
USES
X-RAY SOURCES