K-Shell scaling of high photon energies on the Z accelerator

Summary form only given, as follows. Over the last 25 years, Z-pinch loads as sources of X-ray radiation have been pursued on pulsed power machines. K-shell radiation has been of particular interest, with common sources that include Ne (/spl sim/1 keV), Ar (3.1 keV), and Al (1.8 keV). The current level (20 MA) available on the Z Accelerator at Sandia National Labs has made possible the study of higher photon energy K-shell radiation that was previously inaccessible due to current limitations. Experiments on Z using single wire arrays and nested wire arrays have resulted in the production of up to 130 kJ of Ti K-shell (4.8 keV), 50 kJ of K-shell emissions from stainless steel (Fe, Cr, and Ni at 6.7 keV, 5.6 keV, and 7.7 keV respectively), and >10 kJ of Cu K-shell (8.4 keV). With the variety of experiments that have been performed, valuable information about the scaling of K-shell emissions has been obtained. In this paper, experimental measurements from the various K-shell radiators on Z will be presented. The data will be compared with theoretical K-shell scaling law predictions as well as measurements from other, smaller, facilities with a goal of providing insight into parameters impacting the agreement between theory and measurement.