Rod-pinch studies on a 1-2 MV, 30 /spl Omega/, 40-50 ns generator at PEM

Summary form only given, as follows. The CEA-DAM is interested by rod-pinch diode geometry to radiography future dynamic experiment. Even if those diodes should work at any applied voltage, previous experiments reported a too low efficiency grow rate versus voltage. A collaboration with CEG and Sandia to a 6 MV experiment on the ASTERIX generator will permit to evaluate the rod-pinch potential at higher voltage. Above /spl sim/4 MV, others diodes geometries seem more attractive. Anyway, Rod-Pinch diodes operated from 1 to 4 MV have shown their ability to produce bright submillimeter X-ray spots. Studies on a 1-2 MV, 30 Q, 40-50 ns generator were started at the end of 2001 by the PEM research group. We present on this paper the first results obtained on the 1-2 MV range at PEM. After the generator polarity was changed, a effort has been made on electrical diagnostics and the evaluation of the diode impedance. In order to follow the diode functioning during the pulse, we develop a time resolved X ray imaging system. So, the migration of the electron from the gap area to the rod end is compared to LSP simulations. Exotic A-K schemes will be tested.