Experimental r-$\theta $ density profiles of wire-array and cylindrical foil Z-pinches on COBRA

POSTER

Abstract

Calibrated r-$\theta $ ion density profiles from wire-array and cylindrical foil experiments on the 1-MA COBRA machine will be presented. Profiles are axially averaged over the 1-cm height of the array. The data was gathered using an axial X pinch backlighter.\footnote{I.C. Blesener et al., ``Axial x-ray backlighting of wire-array Z-pinches using X pinches'', Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 123505 (2009).} Images have better than 5-micron resolution with calibrated ion densities from 10$^{18}$ to 10$^{20}$ cm$^{-3}$. The latest data will be presented, comparing the timing and development of ablation streams and precursor formation between wire-arrays and cylindrical foils. Experimental data will also be compared to simulation results.

*This research was supported by Sandia National Labs Contract No. 877860.

Authors

  • Isaac Blesener

    • Cornell University - LPS

  • John Greenly

    • Cornell University
    • Cornell University - LPS
    • Cornell University, Laboratory of Plasma Studies

  • Sergei Pikuz

    • Cornell University
    • Cornell University - LPS
    • Cornell University, Laboratory of Plasma Studies

  • Tania Shelkovenko

    • Cornell University - LPS
    • Cornell University
    • Cornell University, Laboratory of Plasma Studies

  • Bruce Kusse

    • Laboratory of Plasma Studies, Cornell University
    • Cornell University - LPS

  • Charles Seyler

    • Cornell University
    • Cornell University - LPS