Integrated, interactive modeling of plasma opening switches, plasma radiation sources and bremsstrahlung diodes with commercial circuit analysis software tools

The authors describe their use of analog behavioral modeling techniques to develop physical system models of plasma opening switches, plasma radiation sources and bremsstrahlung diode radiation sources. A commercially available electronic circuit analysis software program is used as the programming environment for the models, and as the calculation engine for the system. The models are created as macros, which are saved in a component library. Macros may be selected like any other component and inserted into the electrical schematic/circuit model of an associated pulse power generator. The output is a realistic simulation of electrical system response and predicts radiation yield. These features, combined with a simple drag and drop graphical user interface, allow rapid interactive optimization of electrical pulse generator and radiation source design parameters. The use of standardized, modern code serves as a framework for collaboration and allows the incorporation of special devices. The technique has been used as an aid to the design of a compact X-ray simulator, and is presently being used to assist in studies of new machine technology.