X-RAY-SPECTRA FROM A GAS-PUFF Z-PINCH DEVICE

X-ray emission was used to diagnose the plasma formation in a gas-puff pulsed-discharge device. X-ray pinhole images were collected simultaneously with x-ray spectra from Ar and Kr gases. X rays were emitted from z-pinched regions (50-100 μm in diameter) along a collinear track formed by the plasma implosion of a hollow gas jet. Spectral analysis indicated Ar plasma formation with electron densities of ∼2×1021 cm-3. The Ar plasma temperature was ∼1 keV, based on a collisional-radiative transport model. Li-like satellite lines were classified in Ar XVI with atomic structure calculations. The Kr x-ray spectrum (6-8-Å region) was dominated by Ne-like Kr XXVII lines. New spectral transitions were classified in Na-like Kr XXVI and F-like Kr XXVIII. The wavelength calibrations in the Kr spectrum were obtained from exploded-Al-wire plasma generated in coincidence with the plasma implosion formed in the puff gas.