Study of 1 MA wire array Z pinches using x-ray radiography and UV laser diagnostics

X-ray laser-based imaging backlighting was developed at the 1-MA Zebra generator at UNR. Al and Ti star and cylindrical wire arrays were studied using backlighting at the wavelength of 6.65 A and UV laser diagnostics at 266 nm. X-ray imaging allows for the viewing of the dense core of plasma column during the ablation stages with a resolution of 20 um. X-ray backlighting was provided by hitting a Si target with the 50 TW Leopard laser, which provides the advantage of flexible timing during the ablation and implosion stages.