The mass ablation phase of a wire-array Z pinch is investigated using steady-state r , simulations. By identifying the dominant physical mechanisms governing the ablation process, a simple scaling relation is derived for the mass ablation rate ṁ with drive current I, in the case where radiation is the primary energy transport mechanism to the wire core. In order to investigate the dependence of...

The dense plasma phase of a dynamic z-pinch working at a high filling pressure is studied. By using the Schlieren-technique it is found that the compressed plasma column, though macroscopically stable for times less than 1 /us develops quickly from a homogeneous state to a turbulent one with a perturbation scale length of typically some millimeters. Quantitative measurements of light deflection...

We show that ultradense Z pinches with nanoscale dimensions can be generated by irradiating aligned nanowires with femtosecond laser pulses of relativistic intensity. Using fully three-dimensional relativistic particle-in-cell simulations, we demonstrate that the laser pulse drives a forward electron current in the area around the wires. This forward current induces return current densities of ...

The Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum is an x-ray source for high energy-density physics studies that is heated by a radiating shock to radiation temperatures >200 eV. The time-dependent 300-400 eV electron temperature and 15-35 mg/cc density of this shock have been measured for the first time using space-resolved Si tracer spectroscopy. The shock x-ray emission is inferred from these measurements to ex...

The achievement of high gain with inertial fusion requires the compression of hydrogen isotopes to high density and temperatures. High densities can be achieved most efficiently by isentropic compression. This requires relatively slow pressure pulses on the order of 10-20 nanoseconds; however, the pressure profile must have the appropriate time history [J. Nuckolls et. al. Nature, 239, 139, 197...

Astrophysical jets and pulsar-fed supernova remnants (plerions) are expected to develop highly organized magnetic structures dominated by concentric loops of toroidal field, Bφ. It has been argued that such structures could explain the polarization properties of some jets, and contribute to their lateral confinement through magnetic tension forces. A concentric toroidal field geometry is also c...

We present first results from a novel experimental platform that is able to access physics relevant topics including indirect-drive magnetized inertial confinement fusion, laser energy deposition, various in atomic physics, and laboratory astrophysics (for example, the penetration of B-fields into high density plasmas). This uses x rays wire array Z-pinch irradiate silicon target, producing an ...

Recyclable transmission lines ~RTLs! are being studied as a means to repetitively drive Z pinches. Minimizing the mass of the RTL should also minimize the reprocessing costs. Low mass RTLs could also help reduce the cost of a single shot facility such as the proposed X-1 accelerator and make Z-pinch driven nuclear space propulsion feasible. Calculations are presented to determine the minimum el...