Larger sized planar wire arrays of complex configuration on 1.5–1.8 MA Z-pinch generator

Abstract

Two new approaches of (i) simultaneous study of implosion and radiative characteristics of different materials in wire array Z-pinch plasmas in one shot and (ii) investigation of larger sized wire arrays (to enhance energy coupling to plasmas and provide better diagnostic access) were developed in experiments with 1.5–1.8 MA Zebra with a Load Current Multiplier. In particular, the larger sized multi-plane Planar Wire Arrays with two outer planes placed at 9 and 15 mm from each other and then as far as at 19 mm (compared with 6 mm studied before at standard 1 MA current) and with a modified central plane with 8 to 12 empty slots were investigated. Though K-shell Al and L-shell Ni, Cu plasmas have similar electron temperatures and densities, the ablation dynamics and radiation of Al and Ni, Cu planes are somewhat different, which was investigated in detail using the full set of diagnostics and modeling. Advantages of using such wire arrays at higher currents to study plasma flow and radiation from different materials and jets are highlighted.