Study of 1 MA wire array Z pinches using x-ray radiography and UV laser diagnostics

Summary form only given. X-ray laser-based imaging backlighting was developed at the 1-MA Zebra generator at UNR. Al and Ti star and cylindrical wire arrays were studied using backlighting at the wavelength of 6.65 Å and UV laser diagnostics at 266 nm. X-ray imaging allows for the viewing of the dense core of plasma column during the ablation stages with a resolution of 20 um. X-ray backlighting was provided by hitting a Si target with the 50 TW Leopard laser, which provides the advantage of flexible timing during the ablation and implosion stages.UV laser diagnostics were fielded at the same stage. UV shadowgraphy provides a laser backlit images of wire arrays Z pinches at all stages. UV interferometry allows for the measurement of electron density of plasma of ablating wires. UV and x-ray probing diagnostics allow study of the plasma corona and dense core during ablation stage of the 1 MA wire arrays.