Abstract: Recent work on the X-pinch discharge has demonstrated that the resulting plasma formed at the junction of the crossed wires is an efficient x-ray source. The reproducible spatial localization of the bright source renders the X-pinch ideal for x-ray microscopy and lithography. Here we report on an X-pinch discharge driven by a small conventional capacitor bank. Observation shows that the plasma formed is qualitatively similar to that generated by higher voltage pulsed power machines although a more localized x-ray emitting region is observed. Strong asymmetry in the plasma is also present along the anode cathode axis. In the soft x-ray region, a long tail is seen on the anode side of the crossing point whereas a shorter emitting plasma is present on the cathode side. Experiments were conducted to investigate the formation mechanisms for the evolution of this asymmetry. Detailed comparison of the plasma evolution and the resulting x-ray radiation is presented.!5
展开▼
