An overview of pulse compression and power flow in the upgraded Z pulsed power driver

The Z pulsed power driver [1] at Sandia National Laboratories is used to develop high energy density z-pinch x-ray sources for inertial confinement fusion research and radiation effects testing, and to drive megabar pressures in material samples for equation of state studies. The entire pulsed power system is in the process of being replaced, improving reliability and increasing the energy delivered to the load.