Abstract
The presented research focuses on investigation of Z-pinch plasma formation, implosion, and radiation characteristics as a function of the load configuration. The single planar and multi-planar wire arrays as well as compact cylindrical wire arrays were studied on the 1.3 MA UNR Zebra and I MA Cornell COBRA generators. The largest yields and powers were found for W and Mo double planar and compact wire arrays. A possibility of radiation pulse shaping was demonstrated. Two types of bright spots were observed in plasmas. A comparison of Mo double planar and compact wire array data indicates the possibility that the same heating mechanism operates during the final implosion and stagnation stages.