Effect of pulse sharpening on imploding neon Z-pinch plasmas

Abstract
The radial implosion of hollow, cylindrical neon gas columns, driven by currents of up to 1.45 MA, produces a linear Z pinch with over 70% of the radiation in neon K lines. A plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) is used to eliminate prepulse and to reduce the current rise time from ∼60 to ∼20 ns. Incorporation of the PEOS improves the uniformity of the Z pinch and increases the radiation yield.