Overview of the 6-MV, rod-pinch experiment on ASTERIX

This work presents the highlights of high-voltage, positive-polarity experiments on the ASTERIX generator characterizing the rod-pinch diode at up to 6 MV as a source for high-resolution, flash radiography. The paper reviews experimental results and analyses including conversion of ASTERIX to positive polarity, rod-pinch electrical and radiation characteristics, comparisons to numerical simulation, and composite rod-pinch performance. A minimum LANL source diameter of 1.32 mm with a dose of 23.7 rad(air) at 1 m was achieved at a peak voltage of 5.9 MV, leading to a radiographic figure-of-merit of 13.6 rad(Si)/mm/sup 2/. The results demonstrate the utility of the rod pinch for high-power pulsed radiography at up to 6 MV.