Rod-Pinch Diode Experiments at 6 MV on Mercury

This study investigates the operation of a rod-pinch diode at 20-50 Omega on the 6 MV Mercury generator for bright X-ray radiation generation. Electrical and time-resolved radiation measurements are used to study the effects of anode material, surface coating, electrode geometry, and diode nominal impedance on the pinch dynamics. The use of low-density plasma prefill is also investigated as a means of enhancing pinch initiation.