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X-Pinches: an interesting configuration for fundamental studies
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Another configuration of great interest to us is one
in which two or more wires that cross and touch at a single point, in
the form of an X, are exploded by a high current. This so-called X-pinch
produces a very hot, dense plasma at the original cross-point of the
wires. That plasma is an excellent source of soft x-rays as a result of
being near solid density and ~10,000,000 K temperature, and we find that
the source size in x-ray emission above 2.5 keV photon energy is ~ 1 µm
or less in size. We are working very hard to understand the dynamics of
this plasma through following its emission spectrum as a function of
time with very high temporal (10 ps) and spatial (~2-3 µm) resolution.
Studies of x-pinches:
The X-pinch (formed with 2-8 wires) will be used to generate
micropinches, enabling the study of radiation-enhanced magnetic
implosions and the creation of highly-stripped, dense high-Z plasmas.
Detailed atomic physics modeling will be carried out to help understand
the observed x-ray spectra, and to determine methods to measure the
magnetic field profile spectroscopically. In addition, we expect to make
the X-pinch high-resolution x-ray imaging capability available to
outside users, and to investigate the X pinch’s potential as a “point”
neutron source as well as a “point” x-ray source for possible
applications. We also will use the X-pinch to help develop new soft
x-ray diagnostics, such as multi-spectral imaging spectrometers with
different throughputs and resolutions and a bubble lens (air bubbles in
plastic lined up in a glass capillary) for soft x-ray imaging. (The X
pinch physics experiments will be jointly supported by a
DOE/OFES-supported grant.)
Recent Presentations:
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