An electromagnetic fast shutter system for debris mitigation on Z

Summary form only given, as follows. We have developed an electromagnetic 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 crosses 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.