Generation of Ultra Hard X-Ray Radiation by Compression of Aluminum Wire Arrays

At the S-300 facility (2 MA, 400 kV, 100 ns), the generation of ultra hard X-rays was observed upon magnetic compression of cylindrical nested aluminum arrays with a linear mass of ~350 μg/cm, consisting of aluminum wires with a diameter of 15 μm. At the final phase of compression, a compact pinch is formed, consisting of a large number of hot spots arranged along the axis. This phase is accompanied by the emission of soft X-rays with a duration of ~10 ns. Simultaneously with the soft X-ray pulses, ultra hard X-rays with an energy exceeding 450 keV were detected. Ultra hard X-rays were measured with scintillation detectors shielded with lead 20–70 mm thick. The main cause of overvoltage on the plasma column appears to be sausage instability.