Radiative signatures of Z-pinch plasmas at UNR: from X-pinches to wire arrays

University-scale Z-pinch generators are able to produce High Energy Density (HED) plasmas in a broad range of plasma parameters under well-controlled and monitored experimental conditions suitable for radiation studies. The implosion of X-pinch and wire array loads at a 1 MA generator yields short (1-20 nsec) x-ray bursts from one or several bright plasma spots near the wire cross point (for X-pinches) or along and near Z-pinch axis (for wire arrays). Such X- and Z-pinch HED plasma with scales from a few µm to several mm in size emits radiation in a broad range of energies from 10 eV to 0.5 MeV and is subject of our studies during the last ten years. In particular, the substantial number of experiments with very different wire loads was performed on the 1 MA Zebra generator and analyzed: X-pinch, cylindrical, nested, and various types of the novel load, Planar Wire Arrays (PWA). Also, the experiments at an enhanced current of 1.5-1.7 MA on Zebra using Load Current Multiplier (LCM) were performed. This paper highlights radiative signatures of X-pinches and Single and Double PWAs which are illustrated using the new results with combined wire loads from two different materials.

Propagating Thermonuclear Burn by Laser Ignition of a Dense Z-Pinch

A linear pinch discharge above the Pease-Braginskii current and stabilized by axial shear flow can radiatively collapse to high densities. A thermonuclear detonation wave can then be launched from one end of the discharge channel by ignition with a powerful laser pulse. Axial shear flow stabilization may be realized by injecting a fast moving jet along the pinch discharge channel, possibly in combination with a frozen DT fiber positioned on the pinch axis.