Z‐pinch experiments on Saturn at 30 TW

We have recently completed the first gas‐puff Z‐pinch experiments on Saturn (32 TW, 1.4 MJ, 1.9 MV, 40‐ns FWHM, and 0.11 Ω). These experiments used the most powerful driver to date for fast Z‐pinch experiments. Saturn, a 36 module accelerator, uses a double post‐hole vacuum convolute to deliver the total machine current to the load. The 10‐nH Saturn Z‐pinch diode is capable of delivering a peak current of 10.5 MA. We diagnosed the current using segmented Rogowski coils at the insulator, resistive shunts in the vacuum transmission lines, and B‐dot loops and piezoelectric pressure gauges near the load. On most shots electrical losses in the vacuum convolute were minimal with nearly complete current delivery to the Z‐pinch load. We have conducted experiments with deuterium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon gas puffs. A maximum total radiation yield of 505±25 kJ was obtained with xenon. The peak keV x‐ray yields were 100±5 kJ for neon L‐shell radiation, 30±4 kJ for krypton l‐shell radiation, and 39±4 kJ for ar...