Limitations on the K-shell X-ray conversion efficiency of a krypton Z-pinch plasma

The radiative behavior and its influence on the energy redistribution of a dynamically imploding current driven krypton gas puff plasma is investigated. Time dependent radiation magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations self-consistently driven by a circuit equation are carried out for loads that remain stable to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The circuit driving the load is represented by a superclass pulsed power generator with peak short circuit currents of between 60 and 100 mega-amperes. The loads are configured either as thin annular cylindrical shells or uniform cylindrical fills. The results suggest a class of load designs leading to higher density on axis that may produce enhanced K-shell yields.