Computation modeling of Z-pinch driven hohlraum experiments on Z

Summary form only given. The high-yield inertial confinement fusion concept based on a double-ended Z-pinch driven hohlraum tolerates the degree of spatial inhomogeneity present in Z-pinch plasma radiation sources by utilizing a relatively large hohlraum wall surface to provide spatial smoothing of the radiation delivered to the fusion capsule. The Z-pinch radiation sources are separated from the capsule by radial spoke arrays. Key physics issues for this concept are the behavior of the spoke array (effect on the Z-pinch performance, X-ray transmission) and the uniformity of the radiation flux incident on the surface of the capsule. Experiments are underway on the Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories to gain understanding of these issues in a single-sided drive geometry. These experiments seek to measure the radiation coupling among the Z-pinch, source hohlraum, and secondary hohlraum, as well as the uniformity of the radiation flux striking a foam witness ball diagnostic positioned in the secondary hohlraum.