Asterix, a high intensity x-ray generator

ASTERIX is a flash X-ray generator, designed by Valduc Center (French A.E.C.), and installed in Gramat Center (French D.O.D.). This new compact X-ray facility delivers at 85% peak Marx voltage in routine operation, a 34 ns FWHM, 18 ns rise time radiation pulse with a peak dose rate and acceleration of 2x1O/sup 12/ rad(Si)/s and 1.5 x 10/sup 20/ rad(Si)/s/sup 2/ over a 100 cm/sup 2 area. In a cylindrical volume with 700 cm/sup 2/ front surface area and 5 cm long, the mean dose rate is 2 x 10/sup 11/ rad(Si)/s, with a ratio (D max/D min) <2 in this volume. The diode characteristics depending on cathode configuration are : 6-7 MV for diode voltage, and 100-150 kA for diode current. The dose and dose rate at 93% peak Marx voltage, at one meter from the converter, are respectively 750 rad(Si) and 2.2 x 10/sup 10/ rad/s. The overall r.m.s. jitter was measured at 13 ns. ASTERIX was becoming a fully operational simulation facility in January 1989.