Development of UV Laser Probing Diagnostics for 1-MA Z-Pinches

Abstract

Laser probing diagnostics at the wavelength of 266 nm were developed for investigation of the 1-MA z-pinch plasmas. The absorption and refraction in plasma are significantly smaller at 266 nm than at the regular wavelength of 532 nm. These features allow observation of fine details in the z-pinch plasma at the ablation, implosion, and stagnation phases. Two-color shadowgraphy at 532/266 nm presents a structure of ablating wires and implosion bubbles in wire arrays. Plasma distribution and dynamics in compact cylindrical, star, and planar wire arrays can be studied at the wavelength of 266 nm. An electron density Ne > 5 · 1019 cm-3 was reconstructed with interferometry at 266 nm in the stagnated z-pinch. Further development of laser probing diagnostics of the z-pinch plasmas is discussed.