Unexpected axial asymmetry in radiated power from high-temperature dynamic-hohlraum x-ray sources

Abstract

Radiation from the interior of a dynamic hohlraum within a wire-array Z pinch is used to generate high-power x-ray pulses in both the up and down axial directions through radiation exit holes (REHs) in the anode and cathode, respectively. Despite a concerted effort to ensure a symmetrical up-down configuration, the measured peak top radiated power remained about twice that of the bottom (with similar total radiated energies from each REH), as compared to current simulations that predict equal powers. This large asymmetry suggests the need for improved physics models and simulation capabilities.