Analysis of an argon z pinch driven by ambiorix, A 2 MA pulsed power generator

Summary form only given. Ambiorix is a 0.5 ¿ generator which can deliver a 2.2 MA, 100 ns pulse current. It is located at CESTA, a centre of the French Atomic Commission. A gas puff with neon and argon gases is commonly used. In this paper, we present the design and the preliminary results for a high resolution X-ray spectrometer in an argon z pinch configuration. 2 kinds of spectrum have been obtained: one integrated time in association with a X-Ray CCD. One resolved time in association with a streak camera We present also visible 2d pictures obtained with an ultra speed intensified imaging. 4 less than 10 ns images can be obtained during the pinch generation. It allows us to understand and to improve the behaviour and the dynamic of the compression.