Radiation diagnostics and x-ray output from 1213 mega-ampere plasma implosions

The Procyon explosive pulsed power system has been used to drive 12--13 Ma, 2 μ second plasma implosions. These experiments have produced more than 1.5 MJ of soft x-rays in a 250 ns FWHM pulse. Data from bolometers, x-ray photodiodes, and curved crystal x-ray spectrometers are compared and analyzed for the fluence and the plasma temperature. Fitting of the x-ray continuum to a Planckian has suggested temperatures in the 90ev range. Images from high speed electronic cameras show a time sequence of instability growth that indicate effects on the x-ray output. X-ray images taken with filtered pinhole cameras show the location, shape, and size of the pinch. In this report the authors present details of this data from several Procyon experiments, point out methods for minimizing instability growth and discuss the diagnostics that are used in the harsh, explosive environment