Characterization of a self-magnetic-pinched diode

Self-magnetic-pinched diode behavior at 1.5-2 MV was diagnosed using a variety of electrical, radiation, and optical diagnostics. Results are compared with predictions of the LSP particle-in-cell code, and shown to be in good agreement. A practical diagnostic of electron incidence angles is demonstrated. A quadrature interferometer is shown to be capable of measuring the time-dependent position of the effective electrode-plasma boundaries. Both one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) interferometry show the importance of anode plasma expansion in such diodes with high anode-power concentration. Not only does the anode plasma contribute significantly to gap closure, but there is evidence that anode plasma expansion results in a distortion of the effective anode shape, which can significantly affect the diode performance.