CR39 based Neutron Yield Measurements on the Z-Accelerator

Implosion dynamics of both Z-pinch driven Deuterium gas puffs producing $\sim $3x10$^{13}$ DD neutrons as well as ignition-size 2-mm-diameter capsules driven by Dynamic hohlraums producing $\sim $1x10$^{11}$ neutrons have been studied at the Z-accelerator. CR39 based neutron yield measurements are being explored to compliment existing yield measurements based on Indium activation. One possible advantage to the CR39 based diagnostic is it's relative insensitivity to the significant high-energy Bremsstrahlung radiation produced in these z-pinch experiments. The diagnostic configuration and initial results for a set of measurements comparing the two diagnostic techniques for both of these neutron sources will be presented. Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.