Radiometry and Phase Contrast Imaging Diagnostics on COBRA’s Gas Puff Z-Pinch Plasmas*

Understanding the energy partitions in a gas puff z-pinch plasma allows for further exploration of the behavior at stagnation. Energy can be partitioned into the magnetic field, turbulent flow, radiation, and kinetic energy. A radiometer and Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) system are implemented on COrnell Beam Research Accelerator (COBRA), a ~ 1 MA driver at Cornell University, to determine the heat radiation, kinetic energy or time resolved radiated power, and turbulent flow of the plasma. Millimeter, Infrared (IR), and Ultraviolet (UV) radiometers are implemented to determine temperature measurements and time resolved radiated power. The millimeter wave radiometer has frequencies of 10 and 94 GHz, and the IR and UV radiometers are operated at 214, 1100, 1310, and 1550 nm. The PCI system uses a Nd:YLF laser at 1053 nm to determine the turbulence of the plasma as it transverses across COBRA’s vacuum chamber. Highlighted are the designs for the radiometer and initial measurements from Ne and Ar gas puff z-pinches, as well as designs for the PCI system and future goals for implementing it on COBRA.