Annular Gas Jet Anode for Decade

Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) proposes to replace the anode posts of a soft x-ray z-pinch with an azimuthally symmetric shell of high density, low atomic number gas. Once ionized, the gas column carries the current and eliminates particulate debris that is otherwise generated by the return rods. The gas shell also absorbs unwanted UV and hence eliminates the first Li foil filter of the baseline debris mitigation system. Estimates suggest that the UV induced blow-off from a gas jet imparts lower momentum to the subsequent Li foil decelerator, than does the present solid Li foil. This decelerator thus moves more slowly and allows the fast closure and hence the test object to move closer, resulting in a higher useful soft x-ray fluence. The gas anode provides a full field of view to the pinch from any azimuthal angle. With return posts, alignment is critical so that lines-of-sight are not occulted by the posts. In Phase II we will demonstrate an improved testing environment for the DTRA West Coast Facility (Double-EAGLE). Fluence at the test object will be higher and/or cleaner. We may then adapt the gas anode to other radiation test facilities, such as Saturn and/or ZR.