Imploding argon plasma experiments

Abstract

The Pithon pulsed electron beam accelerator was used to implode an argon plasma at 4 TW. The plasma was prepared by microwave preionization of an annular column of gas injected between the output electrodes of the pulser. The electrodynamic behavior implied that most of the gas was involved in the pinch. The plasma conditions were inferred from hydrogenlike and heliumlike x-ray emission spectra. Final pinch dimensions were determined from x-ray pinhole photographs and laser shadowgraphs.