Two different modes of nested wire array Z-pinch implosions

Two different modes of nested wire array implosion driven by a 1-MA, 240-ns current pulse were observed, determined by the fraction of total current induced in the inner array. Penetration by the outer array through the inner with switching of current occurred if current in the inner array was initially suppressed. Simultaneous implosion of arrays with apparent compression of magnetic flux between the arrays was observed if approximately 20% of the current was in the inner array. In both cases the x-ray pulse rise time of approximately 10 ns (for 260-ns implosion time) was considerably smaller than for a single array.