Fielding of the on-axis diagnostic package at Z

We have developed a comprehensive diagnostic package for observing z-pinch radiation along the pinch axis on the Z accelerator. The instrumentation, fielded on the axial package, are x-ray diagnostics requiring direct lines of sight to the target. The diagnostics require vacuum access to the center of the accelerator. The environment is a hostile one, where we must deal with an intense, energetic photon flux (>100 keV) debris (e.g., bullets or shrapnel), and mechanical shock in order for the diagnostics to survive. In addition, practical constraints require the package be refurbished and utilized on a once a day shot schedule. In spite of this harsh environment, we have successfully fielded the diagnostic package with a high survivability of the data and the instruments. In this article, we describe the environment and issues related to the reentrant diagnostic package close-quote s implementation and maintenance. copyright 1999 American Institute of Physics