Compact hohlraum configuration with parallel planar-wire-array x-ray sources at the 1.7-MA Zebra generator

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• High-Energy-Density Physics
• X-ray Science

Background:

• Z-pinch devices are crucial for generating high-energy X-rays.
• Hohlraum designs are essential for inertial confinement fusion and X-ray generation.
• Compact hohlraum designs are needed for efficient energy coupling in advanced facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate a compact Z-pinch x-ray hohlraum.
• To investigate the use of parallel-driven x-ray sources for synchronized bursts.
• To validate simulation results with experimental measurements of hohlraum radiation temperature.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 1.7-MA Zebra generator.
• Employed magnetically decoupled compact double-planar-wire Z pinches as parallel-driven x-ray sources.
• Incorporated a central reemission target with tailored shine shields.

Main Results:

• Achieved synchronized X-ray bursts from parallel Z pinches.
• Observed good temporal correlation between Z-pinch bursts and central target emission.
• Demonstrated good agreement between simulated and measured hohlraum radiation temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The compact Z-pinch hohlraum design is experimentally viable.
• Parallel-driven sources enable synchronized X-ray generation for hohlraums.
• This design offers advantages for multi-megampere facilities.