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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Non-equilibrium Microwave Plasma for Efficient High Temperature Chemistry
Published on: August 1, 2017
Plasma x-ray sources powered by megajoule magnetocumulative generators
N F Popkov1, V Ya Averchenkov, A S Pikar'
1All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF), Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Arzamas-16, Nizhni Novgorod Region, 607200, Russia.
Experiments with magnetocumulative generators (MCGs) powered three plasma discharges for intense X-ray generation. Researchers investigated the effects of plasma opening switches on these high-energy-density plasma experiments.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- High-Energy-Density Physics
- X-ray Generation
Background:
- High-energy-density plasma discharges are crucial for intense X-ray generation.
- Magnetocumulative generators (MCGs) offer a powerful pulsed power source for such experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance of three distinct plasma discharge types when powered by MCGs.
- To evaluate the influence of plasma opening switches on the discharge characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using magnetocumulative generators (MCGs).
- Three plasma discharge configurations were employed: H-pressed discharge, capillary z-pinch, and θ-pinch.
- MCGs were operated both with and without plasma opening switches.
Main Results:
- The experiments achieved characteristic currents of approximately 10 MA.
- The characteristic time scales for these discharges were approximately 1 μs.
- Detailed characteristics of the H-pressed discharge, capillary z-pinch, and θ-pinch were documented.
Conclusions:
- MCGs can effectively power high-energy-density plasma discharges for X-ray generation.
- The use of plasma opening switches can modify discharge characteristics.
- The study provides valuable data on the performance of these plasma configurations.
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