An electromagnetic fast shutter system for debris mitigation on Z

We have developed an electromagnetically driven fast shutter for purposes of debris mitigation on Z. This shutter was developed to prevent debris generated by the Z-pinch implosion from damaging an x-ray imaging system used with the Z backlighter systems. The shutter uses a capacitor-driven pulsed electromagnet to accelerate an aluminum tube across the 24-mm diameter line of sight, completely closing the line of sight 185 microseconds after the z-pinch implosion. After the shutter closes the line of sight, a tapered high-strength steel catcher slows the shutter to a stop and locks the shutter in a position covering the line of sight. The design, operation, and limitations of the shutter system are described. Concepts for faster, more efficient electromagnetic shutter systems are also discussed.