Cold X-ray simulation technology development at Phoenix

When operated in its plasma radiation source (PRS) mode, the Phoenix simulator employs a 1.6 MJ marx capacitor bank to drive a nominal 3/8 /spl Omega/ diode. During its development, both aluminum wire and puff gas (argon and krypton) loads have been tested. To date, radiation outputs of 50 kJ aluminum and 20 kJ argon K-line radiation have been achieved at 65% of maximum energy storage. This paper emphasizes three aspects of the Phoenix PRS: (1) the operation of the fast rise time gas puff valve, (2) measurements of the implosion dynamics, and (3) the development of a solid deuterium debris shield.