High velocity implosions on PBFA Z

Abstract

We consider techniques to produce a significant yield of high energy x-rays (energy>26 keV) on PBFA Z. Large initial radius loads are required to produce the high implosion velocities and the required high electron temperatures. The classical magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability would grow to large amplitude for these loads. We are considering techniques to reduce the total growth of the instability. Two load designs are being considered. The first is a uniform-fill, gas puff load. Snowplow, ion viscosity, and finite ion gyro radius effects reduce the growth rate of the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability. 1-D rad-hydro simulations show that a high energy x-ray yield of 24 kJ is produced by a 5 cm initial radius, 20% xenon/80% argon, uniform fill, gas puff load. The second design uses an aluminum wire array imploding onto a barium loaded CH fiber. 1-D rad-hydro calculations indicate that a high energy x-ray yield of 26 kJ will be produced by a 2 cm wire array imploding onto a 0.3 cm radius CH fiber loaded ...