A Compact X-pinch X-ray source for Characterization of Inertial Confinement Fusion Capsules

We present initial results from experiments performed to characterize Beryllium coated plastic capsules using a compact x-pinch pulser, which produces 80 kA current with a rise time of 40 ns. Various wire materials including tungsten, molybdenum and aluminum were used. X-pinch length and angle were varied to obtain maximum x-ray yield and photon energies. X-rays in 5-9 keV energy range were used for phase contrast radiography of ICF capsules. Results with plastic capsules (1 mm diameter, 20 micron thick wall) show a phase contrast effect at the edges of the capsule wall. The sharpness of the image reveals source size of less than 3 micron.