Phoenix multi-terawatt plasma radiation source technology

Abstract

Summary form only given. When configured as a plasma radiation source (PRS), the Phoenix radiation effects simulator, uses its 1.6 MJ marx capacitor bank to deliver over 4 MA to a nominal 3/8 Ω diode. As a PRS, the current is used to implode and heat a gas puff or wire array Z-pinch. The goal of the PRS is to generate kilojoules of K-line photons which poses a number of technical challenges. In this paper we will discuss some of the techniques that have been developed to improve energy coupling to the plasma loads. To suppress pre-pulse, the Phoenix diode is electrically isolated from it transmission line power feed by 24 parallel, self-firing gas switches. When operated with a gas puff, this design led to the requirement that the fast-opening-gas-valve, used to form the cold gas distribution prior to the implosion, be remotely operated via fiber optic cables. To form a reproducible gas distribution, the gas valve was designed to open in about 200 μsec which allows timing the implosion on the pressure plateau. Gas valve performance data will be presented. The production of intense radiation can lead to early diode voltage collapse. To avoid direct exposure of insulators to the ionizing radiation, the magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs) must be carefully designed. Improvements in radiation outputs related to these design changes will be shown. The production of intense radiation pulses is associated with metallic debris. The major sources of debris are: ohmic heating, large magnetic forces and the large surface energy deposition of the soft X-rays. Methods used to limit the debris will be discussed.