Nanosecond plasma-flow-switch as the output device on the S-300 pulsed power generator

Abstract

On the S-300 pulsed power generator (4.5 MA, 70 ns, 0.15 Ohm), within the frames of ICF program based on fast high-current Z-pinches, experiments are being carried out studying promising schemes of output units. In particular, a device similar to the plasma flow switch is being investigated aimed at sharpening the pulse. In the experiments with such a device, by means of variation the geometry of the inner electrode of a coaxial, as well as the acceleration of a cascade of plasma washers, the switching of the current up to 750 kA has been obtained, with the rise time /spl sim/ 5-7 ns and subsequent decrease being in accordance with that of the net current (/spl sim/ 100 ns). Thereby the opportunity of switching of much more amount of energy onto the load has been demonstrated compared to our preliminary experiments (2.5 MA/2.5 ns). Soft X-ray radiation from the cavity was recorded by means of vacuum diodes with a nickel cathode and especially selected filters. The radiative temperature of the cavity walls estimated from the ratio of diode signals was close to 50 eV.