Optimum coupling of imploding loads to pulse generators

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Dense, high temperature plasmas can be produced by accelerating axisymmetric arrays of wires, cylindrical foils, etc., in the radial direction through the action of magnetic forces. The energy of such magnetically imploded plasmas arises almost entirely from the thermalization of the kinetic energy of implosion. If such a process is to achieve high plasma temperatures it must be efficient, i.e., a sizable fraction of the available electromagnetic energy must be converted to kinetic energy. The present work addresses the problem of deriving a criterion for coupling such imploded loads to the common types of pulse generators. This criterion is obtained through the numerical solution of two coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations, an equation of motion, and a circuit equation. Solutions are presented for two types of generators and two types of load and are compared with experimental results where available.