Development of the Self Magnetic Pinch Diode as a High Brightness Radiographic Source

Summary form only given. The self magnetic pinch (SMP) diode has been developed from a low voltage (<2 MV) to a high voltage (7-8 MV) radiographic source as part of a program to build a hydrodynamics research facility (Hydrus) at AWE Aldermaston. Development of the initial AWE diode design has used the facilities and assistance of a number of UK and US laboratories and companies to carry out both experimental and theoretical investigations into the operation of the diode. Experimental campaigns have been carried out to both investigate the physics operation and to demonstrate performance on the RITS-3 and RITS-6 drivers at SNL, the Mercury and Gamble II drivers at NRL and the Mogul D and EROS drivers at AWE. Modelling of the diode has been carried out mainly using the particle in cell (PiC) code LsP. It has been demonstrated that the diode has achieved the required radiographic performance for Hydros and it will be used as the initial operational diode when the facility is commissioned. Research to develop a long term diode with improved radiographic performance is still continuing.