Space-temporal structure and x-ray emission dynamic of Z-pinch on base of wire arrays in energy quantum range over 20 keV

The investigation results concerning the process of emission of hard x-rays with an energy quanta of over 20 keV from the plasma of dense radiating Z-pinches are considered. The work was aimed at identifying the nature of the fast electron (electron beam) generation at compression of cylindrical and conic multiwire arrays (liners) at a current of up to 3 MA on the Angara-5-1 installation. At compression of conic arrays an effect of plasma zippering on a time profile of hard x-rays that is caused by an inclination of wires was revealed. It was shown that the generation of hard x-rays always correlates with the disintegration of a plasma column at the cathode in the final phase of pinch compression. The pinch images in quanta of hard x-rays is attributed to the emission of bremsstrahlung radiation of fast electrons generated at the plasma column disintegration on the plasma ions and in the anode target. It was also found that using conic arrays makes it possible to supervise the plasma zippering direction, to regulate space-temporal and power characteristics of the pinch x-ray emission and, in particular, to change the hard x-rays yield, i.e. the current beam value. For the multiwire arrays 12 mm in diameter with a mass on the length unit of 200-400 μg/cm the current and energy values of the fast electron were found to be 20 kA and 60 J, respectively, that makes ~0.002 of the energy of the soft x-rays pulse.