Stability and radiative performance of structured Z-pinch loads imploded on high-current pulsed power generators

The stability and radiative performance of structured Z-pinch plasma loads heated by high-current (≳20 MA) pulsed power generators are investigated. A limited mapping of parameter space is made for the regions of stability for loads configured as thin shells, uniform fills, and multiple shells. Although large diameter thin shell loads are shown to be the most efficient radiators of K-shell x rays, they are susceptible to disruption by the Rayleigh–Taylor instability. Large diameter uniform fill loads are shown to be more stable and very good radiators.