Wire-array holder critical in high wire-number z-pinch implosions

The quality of high wire-number z-pinch implosions on Z using a dynamic-hohlraum configuration is significantly affected by the method of holding the wires. The two arrangements discussed here have led to differences of a factor of 1.6/spl plusmn/0.2 in radial x-ray power, where the higher power is produced by the holder with the superior current contact at the cathode. In support of this observation, single exploding wire data taken on a 250-ns pulser indicate that improved wire-electrode contact at the cathode permits greater energy delivery to the wire prior to current shunting to surrounding wire-plasma corona.