Self magnetic pinch diode experiments at AWE

For many years AWE has used self magnetic (SM) pinch diodes on its lower voltage flash X-ray machines (MEVEX @ 0.8 MV and Mini-B @ 2 MV). With the recent emphasis on reduction of the X-ray spot size, one part of the diode research project has been to field SM pinch diodes at higher voltages. A series of experiments has been conducted on the Mogul D and Eros pulsed power drivers to in an attempt to meet the HRF source term requirements. The charging voltage on Mogul D was increased to its operational maximum and 62R with a 2.1 mm spot (AWE definition) was produced at 4.2 MV. Further shots on the EROS driver failed to match the Mogul D results because of the 110 kV prepulse on EROS. MCNP has been used to calculate dose scaling as a function of charge and voltage for the SM pinch diode. This has shown that long term HRF dose goals are achievable with this diode.