K-shell x-ray emission from sodium wire array implosions as the pump for the sodium-neon x-ray laser scheme

A technique to extrude pure sodium wires has been developed and this has allowed the implosion of sodium wire arrays on the 4 MA, 6 TW Double Eagle generator. A maximum K-shell x-ray yield of 35 kJ was achieved. Of particular interest, as regards the sodium-neon x-ray laser scheme, is the measured 150 GW, 8 kJ in the NaX 1s2–1s2p 1P line at 11.0027 Å.