The physics of multi-kev emissions from Z-pinches at the Z accelerator

Abstract

The Z Accelerator is the world's most powerful x-ray source, producing >300 TW from a z-pinch load. A z pinch is produced when current from Z (up to 26 MA) is delivered to a wire array or gas puff load. Early in the current pulse, the wire array or gas puff begins to ionize and current flows through the resulting plasma (ablation phase). This flow of current produces a magnetic field, which, via the J×B force, drives the plasma to the axis (implosion phase). When the plasma reaches the axis, x-rays are emitted from the high energy density plasma (stagnation phase). Varying the design load allows for a broad range of experiments relevant for astrophysics, inertial confinement fusion studies, and z-pinch physics experiments.