Improved radiation output from a DECADE module

The DECADE generator consists of individual modules operated in parallel. Each module consists of a Marx bank, a water transfer capacitor, a passive water line, a vacuum line, a plasma opening switch (POS), and a bremsstrahlung diode load. Initial results from single module tests on DECADE Module 1 resulted in less radiation than originally specified. A subsequent, multi-laboratory effort demonstrated that the bremsstrahlung from this module can be increased to the levels originally specified for the multi-module system. The increased radiation was largely the result of two changes: discharge cleaning in the POS-load region with an argon-oxygen mixture (instead of pure argon), and a change in the converter package. Evidence exists for other processes that limit the radiation. If these limiting processes are circumvented, the radiation output could increase by an additional factor of two.